By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory chapter of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), has vowed not to succumb to pressure from Nigeria Union of Teachers to join the ongoing strike.
Briefing some journalists in Abuja, on Tuesday, chairman of the ASUSS, Mr. Julius Ogundiran declared that members of the union are not part of NUT demands, and will continue with academic activities.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers embarked on indefinite strike on Monday to push for its unresolved requests.
He said the decision is in line with constitutional and labour provisions that guarantee freedom of association.
The chairman alleged that the issues NUT members are agitating for do not affect secondary school staff.
“Issues like wage award and vacancy for teachers have been addressed, and we are not part of them” Ogundiran said.
In addition, he explained that other issues that have not been totally resolved have received the attention of FCT administration, insisting that primary school teachers welfare falls under the area councils, “We are being paid by FCTA not Area Councils”.
Ogundiran backed his argument with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the right of individuals to freely associate or choose not to belong to any union.
He also referenced Section 12(4) of labour laws, stressing that no individual can be compelled to comply with the directives of an organisation they are not affiliated with.
According to him, the Office of the Head of Service, alongside the relevant commission, has begun releasing promotion letters in batches.
He added that engagements by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) have also contributed to resolving the disputes, making the strike unnecessary for ASUSS members.
Corroborating, the secretary of ASUSS, Peter Afolayan, who debunked rumour that the association is illegal, said the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools is duly registered as affiliate of Trade Union Congress, TUC, to stand for the members interest in the secondary schools.
