The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities and President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to shift ground to end the union’s ongoing strike.

Monday Ogbodum, Cross River chapter chairman of the TUC, made the appeal in Calabar on Tuesday. He said the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had “clearly” made their points known to the world with the prolonged strike and advised President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to prevent future impasse.

The union leader further added that the government should always put human face to its action or inaction in dealing with labour unions, to avoid prolonged industrial action in the country.

“While I’m appealing to the ASUU to shift ground, I also ask the government to always put human face in their actions. ASUU has proven its points to the government,” said Mr Ogbodum. “The strike is justifiable but ASUU should also know that negotiations are always a win-win situation and not winner takes all.”

The TUC chief noted that university students had “suffered enough and most of us do not have the resources to send our children abroad or to private universities.”

He added, “I make bold to tell you that even the lecturers have their own pains from this strike.”

Mr Ogbodum, however, condemned the no-work-no-pay policy of Mr Buhari’s regime.

ASUU had declared an indefinite strike in February to force the regime to implement all agreements reached by both parties.

(NAN)