The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended nationwide strike, in view of the progress made in its discussions with Federal Government, ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Yalwa, said.
The two-month old strike was suspended by the union on Wednesday. During a press statement in Abuja, Yalwa, said the suspension would take effect from Thursday, 10th June.
ASUP had embarked on a nationwide strike on April 6, to drive home its grievances which include poor state of public polytechnics and monotechnics and non-payment of 10 months’ arrears of the new minimum wage.
The Federal Government had offered to release N15 million for revitalisation of polytechnics and monotechnics and release money for payment of the arrears of minimum wage, Vanguard reported.
“Following appraisal of a report indicating gradual implementation of the items contained in the memorandum of action signed between our union and the Federal Government, the union has resolved to suspend its 65-day-old industrial action with effect from June 10,” Yalwa said.
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He said ”The suspension is for a period of three months to enable the government complete execution of the items contained in the memorandum of action signed with the union since April, 27,”
Yalwa noted that government has met some the union’s demands including reconstitution and inauguration of governing councils and visitation panels in federal polytechnics.
He said that efforts were ongoing at reviewing the Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service for Polytechnics.
”We are led to believe that the release of funds for infrastructure revitalisation and minimum wage arrears is currently being processed, “he said.
He added that work had begun toward resolution of issues around CONTISS 15 migration arrears for the lower cadre and also acknowledged the recent passage of a bill for removal of dichotomy against Higher National Diploma holders.
He expressed his expectation that the suspension of the strike would provide avenue for the government to fulfil other parts of the memorandum of action.
”It is the expectation of our union that the suspension of this action will provide an enabling environment for the government to fulfill other aspects of the memorandum of action and afford the government an opportunity to reverse its trust deficit within our sector,” he said.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
