The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has directed its members nationwide to return to work following the conclusion of their two-week warning strike.
The industrial action, which commenced on December 2, 2024, was intended as a precursor to an indefinite strike, highlighting unresolved issues with the government.
In a statement signed by ASUP President, Kpanja Shamnah, the union instructed members to resume duties on Monday, December 16, 2024. The directive followed a conciliation meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on December 9, during which a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed.
The statement read:
“Members of the Union and the general public may recall that our Union embarked on a two-week definite strike starting December 2, 2024, to protest the government’s failure to implement nine key items in the jointly developed work plan aimed at resolving outstanding trade disputes.
“This strike was declared as a warning and precursor to an indefinite strike.
“During the strike period, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment convened a conciliation meeting on December 9, 2024, to address the issues and avert an indefinite industrial action.
“At the meeting, a new Memorandum of Understanding was signed, with an agreement to hold another review meeting on January 23, 2025, to assess compliance and resolve any outstanding matters. Following this, the Union’s National Executive Council will reconvene to evaluate the situation.
“In light of this development, all members of the Union are directed to resume duties starting Monday, December 16, 2024.
“We commend our members for their unwavering commitment and resilience. It is our hope that the government will take deliberate steps to ensure the effective resolution of the issues in dispute.”
ASUP expressed optimism that the government would honor the agreement and prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.