Just In: ASCSN suspends strike

The Association of Civil Servants of Nigeria, an affiliate of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, has suspended the strike action after discussions with the government.

The action was called off after the Federal Government on Tuesday commenced payment of the arrears and allowances of civil servants, following the one-week ultimatum given to the federal government to settle federal workers or a three-day nationwide strike would be embarked upon.

The strike which had been scheduled to commence simultaneously on September 18 in all ministries, departments, and agencies throughout the country, was said to have been necessitated by false promises by the government to pay repatriation allowances, burial expenses, death benefits, promotion arrears and outstanding salaries.

Sources in ASCSN told Punch that the Federal Government has commenced payment of the outstanding arrears and allowances while civil servants have started smiling to the banks.
The organisation, however, warned that if by any act of omission or commission, the payment process was scuttled by the government, the strike would begin without further notice.

The ASCSN also enjoined its teeming members in the MDAs to remain calm as the union was closely monitoring the situation.

Read also: ASUU strike update: ASUU conditionally suspends strike

The ASCSN in a statement by its National President, Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary-General, Alade Lawal, said that the strike “had to be put on hold since the Federal Government had started paying the affected officers their outstanding entitlements.”

The statement read, “Some MDAs where affected workers have started to receive payment since Monday include: Energy Commission of Nigeria, Federal Character Commission, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, National Boundary Commission, National Library of Nigeria, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation etc.

“As a responsible Trade Union, we have to suspend the strike since payment has started and we commend the Government for kick-starting the process. We wish to advise the Government to ensure that payment must continue until all Federal Officers being owed receive their full entitlements.”