President Muhammadu Buhari
The Federal Government has again threatened to stop the salaries of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions for embarking on an indefinite strike.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige warned that the government would not hesitate to invoke the Trade Dispute Act 2004 and the International Labour Organisation if the unions fail to observe the rules guiding social dialogue.
Ngige noted that the laws permit the government to stop workers’ salaries when they are on strike.
According to him, the strike embarked upon by SSANU and NASU contravened Nigeria’s labour laws adding that the declaration of a strike during the negotiation was an act of intimidation.
The Committee said the industrial action was declared because the federal government failed to resolve issues in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of NASU, Peter Adeyemi, said the unions have supported the government and should not be compensated with the denial of their members’ rights.