The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has launched a strong condemnation against the Nigerian government's use of the no-work-no-pay policy, describing it as an unjust tool of intimidation against workers.
Government Using Policy as Oppressive Weapon
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, called on government officials to immediately cease applying the policy to silence lawful industrial actions. Adeyemi stated that repeated threats by government representatives to invoke this policy are unjust and contrary to the principles of fair labour relations.
He emphasized that the policy, frequently cited from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, has been deliberately misused. "The no-work-no-pay provision was never intended to be a weapon of oppression," Adeyemi declared. "It should not be used to criminalise legitimate struggles for fairness, dignity, and the fulfilment of agreements."
Strikes as Last Resort, Not First Option
Adeyemi provided crucial context, explaining that workers' strikes are never impulsive decisions. He clarified that industrial actions represent the last resort taken only after workers have exhausted all lawful and conciliatory avenues for resolution.
The union leader highlighted what he described as a glaring double standard in government behaviour. "Where were these same officials when workers went for months without pay?" he questioned. Adeyemi pointed out the injustice of selective enforcement, where the government applies no-work-no-pay against workers while ignoring its own failures to pay salaries for work already completed.
Violation of International Labour Standards
Adeyemi reinforced NASU's position by referencing international labour conventions. He noted that International Labour Organisation Conventions 87 and 98 explicitly recognize the right to strike as a fundamental component of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
According to the union secretary, punitive actions against workers for engaging in lawful strikes constitute clear violations of both international labour standards and Nigeria's own labour laws. He urged authorities to understand that workers' struggles should not be misinterpreted as rebellion but rather as a legitimate cry for justice and respect for human dignity.
"No one is more patriotic than the Nigerian worker," Adeyemi asserted. "Despite poor pay and unfulfilled promises, workers continue to build and sustain the nation."
He concluded with a call for the government to institutionalize collective bargaining and honour agreements reached with unions to promote lasting industrial harmony. Adeyemi emphasized that genuine industrial peace cannot be achieved through threats or coercion but must be built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and compliance with the law.
