Strike: “We are willing to sign” -ASUU Hints At Negotiation With FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU is slated to reconvene with the Federal Government today over its dragging industrial strike action.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke speaking to Channels TV said the meeting was to debate one of seven problems ASUU is protesting over.
“That is the issue of renegotiation,” Osodeke said, “the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
“It is not just about wages. It has to do with the system, funding, the structure, the autonomy and other issues; and how to fund universities.
“The government has reduced it to just salaries alone. But if they had looked at the whole agreement and implemented it, we will not be talking about funding.”
Professor Osodeke hinted that if the meeting goes satisfactorily, the strike action may be called off.
“We are willing to sign,” he added.
Nexus News recalls that ASUU undertook on a four-week warning strike on February 14. On March 14, the union extended the industrial action by another two months to enable the government meet all of its demands. A 12-week extension was announced on May 9.
The academics are seeking improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities and academic autonomy among other demands.
