Striking University Workers Declare “No Pay, No Work” Policy, Warning Strike Now Indefinite

Striking university workers in Nigeria proclaimed a “No pay, No work” policy on Tuesday, saying their warning strike is now indefinite.

Laboratories, workshops, farms, and other facilities will remain closed until the government pays their salaries, according to the workers, who are represented by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The workers’ decision came as a response to the federal government’s declaration that they should not be paid, according to the Daily Trust.

Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT, spoke on their behalf in Abuja, urging his members to remain unfazed and not to be discouraged by the government’s “divide and rule” efforts.

The NAAT President said, “Today our Union and ASUU have been singled out for the implementation of the policy of “No work, No pay.

“Comrades, I, your President and indeed the National Leadership stand with you in this trying moment. Our strike action is legitimate and follows every due process.

“We, therefore, stand on “No pay, No work”. This divide and rule policy of Government shall not work. Be rest assured that we shall come out better, stronger with every dime paid before or on resumption of work. United we stand for our Union makes us strong.”

In addition, the union leader threatened that in 2023, organized labour members would work against anyone who opposes workers’ demands.

Nwokoma said, “I call on all workers in Nigeria and our dear NAAT members to rise up to the occasion by ensuring that we participate actively in all political processes and take our destiny in our hands.”