ASUU: Court supports FG’s “No Work, No Pay” Policy

In a recent ruling, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has approved the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy by the Federal Government, following a lawsuit filed against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The court upheld the government’s right to withhold salaries from workers who participate in industrial action.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the Court, stated that the Federal Government had acted within its legal authority.

The court affirmed the legitimacy of the “no work, no pay” rule, which was enforced against ASUU members during their strike in the previous year.

However, the court also acknowledged that the imposition of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform on ASUU members was a violation of university autonomy.

It recognized ASUU’s right to determine how their salaries should be paid, suggesting that the government’s intervention in this matter overstepped its bounds.

The lawsuit was initiated by the Federal Government against ASUU, following the union’s demand for salary payments covering the period from February 14 to October 7, 2022, when the strike was concluded.

While ASUU insisted on receiving salaries for the months they were on strike, the previous administration led by Muhammadu Buhari upheld the “no work, no pay” policy and declined their request.

With this ruling, the court has validated the government’s stance on the “no work, no pay” policy, but has also highlighted the need for the government to respect the autonomy of universities and allow ASUU to determine its salary payment method.