Polytechnic lecturers suspend two months strike
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its 65 days old industrial action effective from Thursday, 10th June, 2021.
The Union in a statement on Wednesday said the decision to suspend the strike follows an appraisal of the report indicating the gradual implementation of the items contained in the Memorandum of Action signed between it and the Federal Government.
ASUP had embarked on a nationwide strike on April 6, to press home its demands.
The union’s grievances include poor state of public polytechnics and monotechnics and non-payment of 10 months’ arrears of the new minimum wage.
ASUP however said the suspension is for a period of three months to enable the government complete the execution of the items contained in the Memorandum of Action signed with the Union since 27. April, 2021.
“As part of the efforts communicated by the Federal Ministry of Education, certain ‘terms have been fulfilled like the reconstitution and inauguration of governing councils and visitation panels in Nigerian Federal Polytechnics while we are led to believe that the release of funds for infrastructure revitalization and minimum wage arrears is currently being processed.
“Other items include the ongoing efforts at the review of the Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service for Polytechnics as well as the commencement of work towards resolution of the issues around CONTISS 15 migration arrears for the lower cadre.
“We also acknowledge the recent passage of the Bill for removal of the dichotomy against HND holders in the country.
“In reaching the decision to suspend the strike, our Union took into cognizance the appeals made by the government, revered traditional stools in the country, members of the National Assembly, Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics and indeed members of the public who showed varied interests in the matter”,the statement read.