ASUP Calls Off Warning Strike, Reveals Next Step

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has called off its warning strike.

Naija News had reported earlier that the polytechnic lecturers announced a two-week warning strike on May 16, 2022.

ASUP had in a statement earlier accused the federal government of refusing to meet some of its initial demands. Some of the demands, Naija News understands include the non-release of the approved revitalization fund for the sector, payment of minimum wage arrears, and review of conditions of service, among others.

The union stressed that an earlier approved N15bn is yet to be released to them 11 months after President Muhammadu Buhari had consented to its release.

However, ASUP’s two weeks warning strike will end on May 29, 2022. The union has in a memo made available to newsmen during the weekend, announced that academic activities will resume on May 30, 2022, at various schools.

Recall that the Federal Government had announced earlier that it has commenced the payment of the minimum wage arrears to university and polytechnic unions, including other tertiary institution workers in the country.

While the Academic Staff Union of Universities had said the payment of the minimum wage arrears was not a part of its demands, ASUP had said otherwise.

ASUP’s memo that directed branches to resume activities read partly: “The two-week definite strike of the union will be rounding off on the 29th of May, 2022 as agreed by the emergency meeting of NEC. Consequently, the union is requesting members to resume duties effective 30th of May, 2022, while hoping that government will take advantage of the window to address the five outstanding items.

“Further directives shall be released after the 103rd meeting of NEC, which is scheduled to hold in the month of June, 2022, during which the situation shall be reviewed,” ASUP stated in the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Yalwa.

“The outstanding demands of the union include: “Release of the approved N15bn revitalisation fund for the sector.

“Release of arrears of CONTISS 15 migration for the lower cadre.

“Release of the Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service.

“Continued delay in the appointment of substantive Rectors for Federal Polytechnics in Mubi, Offa, and Kaduna.”