NASU Condemns ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has criticised the government’s use of the “No Work, No Pay” policy, describing it as unfair and contrary to the principles of labour justice.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the union’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, said government officials have turned the policy into an instrument of intimidation against workers engaged in lawful industrial actions.

He argued that the policy, drawn from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, was never meant to punish workers for exercising their rights. “The ‘No Work, No Pay’ provision should not be used to criminalise legitimate struggles for fairness and the fulfilment of agreements,” he said.

Adeyemi noted that strikes often come as a last resort after failed negotiations and unkept promises, adding that government officials regularly default on payments and agreements but are quick to threaten sanctions when workers protest.

He said the selective application of the policy ignored the reality of “No Pay, No Work,” which many Nigerian workers endure when salaries are delayed for months.

Citing International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, Adeyemi reminded the government that the right to strike is a fundamental part of collective bargaining and freedom of association.

He warned that punishing workers for participating in lawful strikes violates both international standards and Nigeria’s labour laws.

Adeyemi urged the government to prioritise dialogue, mutual respect, and compliance with agreements to ensure lasting industrial peace, stating that coercion and threats would only deepen mistrust.

He said, “No one is more patriotic than the Nigerian worker. Despite poor pay and unfulfilled promises, workers continue to build and sustain the nation.”