Deferred Wages: Ambiguity Arises as ASUU Declines Government’s Proposal

University workers, affiliated with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), continue to face challenges in obtaining their withheld salaries from the previous year’s industrial action. Last week, the union’s legal action against the federal government regarding the withheld salaries was unsuccessful, as the National Industrial Court ruled against ASUU’s case.

The background of the situation involves an eight-month strike in 2022 by ASUU, centered on issues such as the revitalization of public universities and a review of lecturers’ salaries and allowances. Despite efforts to resolve the strike, the federal government sought legal intervention, leading to the court’s decision to restrain ASUU from continuing the strike.

Upon returning to work in November last year, ASUU members were surprised to receive only half salaries for 18 working days in October, in adherence to the “No Work, No Pay” policy implemented by the federal government. The court upheld this rule, stating that the government had the right to withhold salaries during industrial actions.

In June this year, ASUU filed a separate lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the discriminatory treatment of its members. However, the recent court ruling dismissed the case, citing it as an abuse of court process and awarded a fine of N500,000 payable by ASUU.

Before this judgment, President Bola Tinubu approved a partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order for ASUU members. The waiver, allowing for the payment of four months’ salary out of the eight months withheld, was granted with conditions. ASUU, however, expressed reluctance to accept these conditions, viewing them as unfavorable.

ASUU leaders emphasize that they have not received official communication from the government regarding the proposed salary payments and express concerns about the state of the country’s education sector. They argue that the government should prioritize funding education and address the core issues that led to the strike.

In response to the court’s decision, ASUU representatives criticize the judiciary, claiming that the courts are no longer serving as a reliable recourse for common citizens. The sentiment is that unless the government addresses the fundamental issues, such as inadequate salaries and funding for education, strikes will persist, adversely affecting the overall educational system in the country.