No-Work-No-Pay Policy Unjust, Says NASU

The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Educational and Associated Institutions has urged government representatives to cease employing the no-work-no-pay policy as a means of intimidating workers.

Peters Adeyemi, NASU’s General Secretary, made this appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Adeyemi stated that the continuous threats from government officials to implement the policy are ‘unfair and go against the principles of equitable labor relations.’

He mentioned that the policy, frequently referenced from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, has been improperly utilised to suppress lawful industrial actions by employees.

“The no-work-no-pay provision was never meant to be a tool of oppression. It must not be used to criminalise legitimate efforts for justice, dignity, and the honouring of agreements,” he remarked.

Adeyemi clarified that strikes are not spontaneous decisions but rather last-resort measures taken after all legitimate and conciliatory options have been pursued.

He indicated that government officials often disregard agreements and postpone paying workers’ salaries, yet threaten punitive measures when employees respond.

“Where were these same officials when employees went for months without compensation?

“The bias in implementing no-work-no-pay while overlooking non-payment of salaries is unjust and contrary to the essence of fairness,” he stated.

Adeyemi noted that the International Labour Organisation Conventions 87 and 98 acknowledge the right to strike as a key element of freedom of association and collective bargaining.

He asserted that punitive measures against workers participating in lawful strikes violate international labour standards and Nigeria’s own labour regulations.

Adeyemi remarked that the struggles of workers should not be misinterpreted as insubordination but rather as a demand for justice and recognition of human dignity.

“No one exhibits greater patriotism than the Nigerian worker.

“Despite inadequate remuneration and unmet commitments, workers persist in building and sustaining the nation,” he stated.

He called on the government to institutionalise collective bargaining and honour agreements made with unions to foster industrial harmony.

According to him, industrial peace cannot be achieved through threats or coercive measures but rather through mutual trust, respect, and adherence to legal frameworks.

Adeyemi urged authorities to embrace dialogue and fairness as the foundation for a fair and democratic labour relations system.

PUNCH Online reported on October 13, 2025, that the Federal Government instructed vice-chancellors of federal universities nationwide to strictly apply the no-work-no-pay policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently engaging in the ongoing nationwide strike.

“In accordance with the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reaffirms its position on the enforcement of the no-work-no-pay policy concerning any employee who fails to perform their official duties during the strike action,” the circular states.

The Nigeria Labour Congress also denounced this action, labelling it as an intimidating tactic that will not resolve the ongoing crisis within the nation’s tertiary education sector.