The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared nationwide strike in solidarity with the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, August 2nd.
This was confirmed by the ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.
On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress after meeting the federal government confirmed that the planned strike will hold as scheduled.
Part of NLC’s demands is the release of the 8 months withheld Salary of University lecturers and Workers under the administration of Ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari
Reacting, Osodeke said that ASUU is still consulting on the matter with its members but that the union is a part of the NLC, and as such, will be joining the planned action by the group.
“We are still consulting with our members, but we are members of NLC so it is definite. If NLC says there will be a demonstration, we are members with them so we will definitely join,” he said
The federal government and the NLC met on Monday to resume negotiations but could not reached agreement
Addressing Journalists after the meeting, the unions, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) confirmed that the planned strike will hold as scheduled.
NLC said it would embark on “a nationwide action” to compel the government to reverse some recent policies that have been implemented the increase in the price of fuel and the increase in VAT.
“The immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS price, Increase in Public School fees, the release of the 8 months withheld Salary of University lecturers and Workers and increase in VAT.
“Else, we give the federal government a Seven-Day ultimatum within which to meet all our demands and to embark on a nationwide action beginning Wednesday the 2nd of August, 2023 to compel the government to reverse its anti-poor and anti-workers policies.
“And we call on all civil society organizations and Nigerians wherever they may be to begin mobilization to take action on their own to save our nation,” NLC said in its statement.
The FG warned the NLC against the planned demonstration, stating that any industrial action embarked upon by the body concerning the fuel subsidy removal would amount to contempt of court.
The FG urged the NLC to allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.
