The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that strikes are never its preferred option in resolving disputes with the Federal Government, stressing that industrial action is only taken after all negotiation efforts have failed.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, stated this after meeting with the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND in Abuja. He said the union remained committed to dialogue but found the government’s latest salary offer unsatisfactory, describing it as below the benchmark agreed by the Nimi Briggs Committee.
“The government’s proposal falls short of what was collectively agreed upon through the Nimi Briggs negotiation. While we are hopeful of progress, we are not there yet,” Piwuna said.
He explained that ASUU would consult its members before deciding whether to suspend its ongoing strike, following the Senate’s appeal for a temporary halt while talks continue.
Piwuna dismissed claims that the union uses strikes as a negotiation tactic, saying the action only comes after repeated unfulfilled agreements. “Strike is never our first option. We only resort to it when dialogue fails,” he said.
The Senate Committee, led by Senator Muntari Dandutse, has urged both sides to find common ground to end the disruption in public universities.
Leave feedback about this