NLC Faults FG’s No Work, No Pay Policy

He said strike is legalized in the country, and had been exercised since colonial era to date, adding that the right to strike is what differentiates a worker from a slave.

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress Ayuba Wabba yesterday said the decision of the Federal Government to implement no work, no pay policy cannot stand as the right to strike is a human and trade union right which cannot be wished a way.

He said strike is legalized in the country, and had been exercised since colonial era to date, adding that the right to strike is what differentiates a worker from a slave.

He said, “Just like the right to strike, right to picketing, the right to work to rule, right to protest and peaceful assembly the issue of no- work no pay has always existed. It is morally and legally wrong to apply a phrase in a body of law without respecting all other provisions of the same law.

“Same law being quoted provided that a workers wage is due after 30 days, where this and or any collective bargaining agreement is violated, it is legally and morally justifiable for unions and workers to apply ‘No pay No Work.’

He said the adoption of no work no pay cannot deter workers and trade unions from exercising the right to strike, saying “there are clear procedures provided by law to embark on a strike, once the legal requirement is met no work no pay cannot apply.”