By JOAN NWAGWU

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following positive steps taken by the Federal Government to address the union?s demands.

The suspension was announced on Sunday, by ASUP President Shammah Kpanja, in a statement in Abuja.

ASUP) had earlier threatened to embark on an industrial action following a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on Aug. 15.

The union demands include unresolved issues of unpaid salary arrears, delayed implementation of the 25 and 35 per cent salary adjustment, non-release of promotion arrears, and stalled renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN agreement, among others.

"The decision to suspend the strike followed the union?s 115th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Oct. 9 to review government?s response to its 21-day ultimatum.

"The union acknowledges progress on several fronts, including the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on Peculiar Academic Allowances,? the president said.

According to him, ASUP also notes measurable progress on the 2025 cycle of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and the resumption of meetings of the Polytechnic Implementation Monitoring Committee.

He added that the union appreciated the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to include the Polytechnic sector.

Kpanja further commended the Federal Ministry of Education for addressing issues at the Federal Polytechnics in Nekede and Ekowe.

He said ASUP is also encouraged by efforts to release arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustment and promotion arrears owed to polytechnic staff.

?Consequently, our NEC resolved to put on hold the proposed strike to give government more time to conclude ongoing actions,? he said.

Kpanja, however, said the union would review the situation within six weeks to assess the level of implementation of the commitments.

He commended the Minister of Education, the Minister of State for Education and officials of the ministry for their engagement and commitment to resolving the issues. (NAN)

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