Strike: Our Goals Partially Accomplished – ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced that its aims for initiating the recently paused warning strike have seen partial success.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, shared this insight on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s news program.
Piwuna elucidated that the union’s principal aim of attracting the Federal Government’s attention to lingering issues has been realized, as the government’s negotiating team has returned to the discussion table.
“Our union is confident that our goals have been partially accomplished. Each instance of a warning strike serves to illuminate the matters between us and our employer.
“Through the ultimatum and the strike, we have successfully compelled the federal government negotiating team to return to the table to address substantial issues in our agreement,” he articulated.
He noted that both parties have now exchanged their positions on critical matters, thereby paving the way for continued negotiations.
Piwuna characterized the renewed dialogue as a significant breakthrough, highlighting that previous committees, including those led by Baba Lakin and Prof. Nimi Briggs, had not achieved such advancements since 2017.
Furthermore, he revealed that one of the union’s paramount demands, the disbursement of third-party deductions, is currently being addressed, as several branches have confirmed receipt of check-off dues, with additional payments anticipated.
“The Chairman of the Federal Government’s team, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has pledged to follow up on promotion arrears, the 25–35% salary increment, and pension deductions,” Piwuna affirmed.
The ASUU president expressed optimism that discussions regarding the long-standing 2009 agreement would reach a conclusion shortly. He also dismissed concerns regarding the no work, no pay policy, asserting that the union remains unshaken by salary threats.
Piwuna explained that the decision to suspend the strike was influenced by pleas from the Federal Government’s negotiation team, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as well as considerations for students and their families.
“We are eager to return to our schools and classrooms. We want our students to thrive in their learning, and we can assure them that they will always be our priority now that we are back to our duties,” he concluded.
