The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has outlined specific conditions that must be fulfilled by the Federal Government before it can suspend its ongoing warning strike in federal and state polytechnics.
Lecturers in public polytechnics across the country commenced a two-week warning strike last week to press for the implementation of their long-standing demands.
The union has vowed to sustain the industrial action unless concrete steps are taken by the government to address their grievances.
ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, revealed that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has reached out to the union and scheduled a meeting for Monday, December 9.
He noted that while there are 11 issues in contention, only one has been fully addressed, with another partially resolved, leaving nine demands unmet.
Kpanja emphasized that the union is prepared to engage in discussions with the government but will remain steadfast if no substantial progress is made.
He explained that the ongoing strike is a result of the government’s failure to fulfill the union’s demands, which include critical issues affecting both federal and state polytechnics.
Reports from ASUP branches nationwide indicate significant compliance with the directive for the warning strike, except for Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
The institution’s participation is hindered due to a separate dispute concerning the appointment of a new rector, which the union is contesting.
ASUP’s demands include the violation of the Federal Polytechnics Act, lack of review of the Schemes of Service and Conditions of Service, non-release of 2023 NEEDS Assessment funds, and interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in academic board functions.
Other unresolved issues include non-payment of arrears for the 35%/25% salary review in federal polytechnics, the unresolved CONTISS 15 migration arrears, delay in renegotiating the 2010 FGN/ASUP agreement, and the non-release of promotion arrears.
The union also cited intimidation of its officials and delays in appointing rectors for several federal polytechnics.
Kpanja stated that after the meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ASUP’s National Executive Council (NEC) would deliberate on the government’s position.
Should the government fail to address the union’s demands after the warning strike, ASUP may escalate to an indefinite strike.
The union reiterated that its members are increasingly agitated, and the onus lies on the government to avert a prolonged industrial action by meeting the pending demands.
