The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on government officials to stop using the “No Work, No Pay” policy as a tool of intimidation against workers.
General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Adeyemi said the repeated threats by government representatives to invoke the policy were ‘unjust and contrary to the principles of fair labour relations.’
He said the policy, which is often cited from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, had been misused to silence lawful industrial actions by workers.
He stated, “The ‘No Work, No Pay’ provision was never intended to be a weapon of oppression. It should not be used to criminalise legitimate struggles for fairness, dignity, and the fulfilment of agreements.’’
Mr Adeyemi explained that strikes were never impulsive actions, but the last resort taken after all lawful and conciliatory avenues had been exhausted.
He said government officials often neglect agreements and delay workers’ salaries, yet threaten sanctions when workers react.
“Where were these same officials when workers went for months without pay? The selective enforcement of ‘No Work, No Pay’ while ignoring ‘No Pay, No Work’ is unjust and contrary to the spirit of equity,” he said.
Mr Adeyemi said that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, recognise the right to strike as a fundamental component of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
He said punitive actions against workers for engaging in lawful strikes were clear violations of international labour standards and Nigeria’s own labour laws.
Mr Adeyemi said that workers’ struggles should not be misconstrued as rebellion, but as a cry for justice and respect for human dignity.
“No one is more patriotic than the Nigerian worker. Despite poor pay and unfulfilled promises, workers continue to build and sustain the nation,” he said.
He urged government to institutionalise collective bargaining and honour agreements reached with unions to promote industrial harmony.
According to him, industrial peace cannot be achieved through threats or coercion but through mutual trust, respect, and compliance with the law.
Mr Adeyemi appealed to authorities to embrace dialogue and fairness as a foundation for a just and democratic labour relations system.
(NAN)