UNIABUJA THREATENS 'NO WORK NO PAY'

The management of University of Abuja says it may enforce the “no work no pay’’ rule on unions that joined the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, strike over the recent increase in petrol price.

A statement issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Michael Adikwu, on Sunday, in Abuja, said the warning was in compliance with the directive from the Federal Government.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, had asked federal workers to ignore the strike. Mr. Lawal also threatened to implement the “no work, no pay” rule.

The government, on May 11, announced an increase in the price of petrol from N86.50k to N145 per litre.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, on May 18 embarked on strike following the breakdown in negotiation and expiration of their ultimatum to Federal Government to reverse the increment in petrol price.
Mr. Adikwu listed the unions as the local branches of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities SSANU) and Non Academic Staff of Nigerian Universities (NASU).

He called on the striking staff to return to work without further delay in the interest of the growth and stability of the university.
“We appreciate the reasons adduced by a faction of labour for going into the strike,” he said.

“However, considering the fact that concerted efforts are being made by government and all concerned to address the issues, we call on our staff on sympathy strike to resume work immediately in order to sustain the tremendous progress we have jointly made so far in stabilising the institution.

“We may be forced to comply with the government directive on the strike if they failed to heed this appeal. ’’