The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed readiness to resume negotiations with the Federal Government to end the ongoing strike, saying it has received signals from government officials indicating willingness to restart talks.
ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna revealed this on Monday during an interview with Channels Television, where he restated the union’s commitment to discussion as the best way to resolve the continuing industrial dispute.
ASUU called a two-week strike on Sunday, stopping academic work at all public colleges, citing unfulfilled demands that had been hanging for years.
In response, the Federal Government claimed that it had met the union’s requests and called the strike unreasonable.
To make matters worse, the administration threatened to implement a “no work, no pay” policy, withholding academics’ salaries if they did not return to work.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress opposed the ultimatum, stating that such a step would jeopardize fair negotiation and workers’ right to collective bargaining.
The labor organization has offered its support for ASUU’s push for better working conditions in universities.
Despite the acrimonious conversations, Piwuna said the union was heartened by fresh communication from key government officials looking for a solution.
