The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on government officials to stop using the “No Work, No Pay” policy to intimidate workers.
Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, made the call in a statement on Sunday, describing repeated threats to invoke the policy as unjust and contrary to fair labour principles.
He explained that the policy, often cited from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, has been misused to silence lawful industrial actions, adding that strikes are usually a last resort after all lawful and conciliatory avenues have been exhausted.
“Where were these same officials when workers went for months without pay? The selective enforcement of ‘No Work, No Pay’ while ignoring ‘No Pay, No Work’ is unjust and contrary to the spirit of equity,” Adeyemi said.
He also cited International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which recognize the right to strike as a fundamental component of freedom of association and collective bargaining, noting that punitive actions against workers violate both international standards and Nigeria’s labour laws.
Adeyemi stressed that workers’ struggles should be seen as a call for justice and respect for human dignity, not rebellion. “No one is more patriotic than the Nigerian worker. Despite poor pay and unfulfilled promises, workers continue to build and sustain the nation,” he said.
He urged the government to institutionalize collective bargaining, honor agreements, and embrace dialogue and fairness as the foundation for industrial harmony.
