The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has accused some federal polytechnics of coercing its members to abandon the union for rival staff organisations, describing the development as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights and labour laws.

The union warned that the alleged forced migration of its members could undermine industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary institutions if left unchecked.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Zaria, NASU alleged that some university managements were actively encouraging non-teaching employees to leave the union, contrary to the law.

The union said it received reports from its branches alleging acts of intimidation, harassment and administrative actions aimed at compelling members to join other unions against their will.

NASU maintained that every worker has the constitutional right to freely choose a trade union and insisted that no employer has the power to compel employees to belong to any particular union.

The NEC directed its branches to resist any attempt to undermine the union’s membership and urged relevant government agencies to intervene before the situation degenerates into industrial disputes.

Beyond the issue of union membership, NASU also expressed concern over what it described as persistent delays in the payment of salaries to workers at some tertiary institutions despite the Federal Government’s release of funds.

It called for the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the government on outstanding welfare issues, including the payment of earned allowances and the settlement of arrears owed to its members.

The union further decried the continued exclusion of its members from receiving certain institutional benefits and allowances, insisting that non-teaching staff play indispensable roles in the administration and the smooth running of tertiary institutions.

On polytechnic governance, NASU criticised the growing practice of appointing Rectors and other principal officers in acting capacities for prolonged periods, warning that the trend was breeding uncertainty and affecting effective administration.

The council also expressed concern over insecurity across parts of the country, rising inflation and the high cost of living, saying the economic situation continues to erode the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

It urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address insecurity, stabilise the economy, and implement policies that would reduce the hardship faced by workers and ordinary Nigerians.

NASU reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue in resolving industrial disputes but warned that it would not hesitate to deploy lawful means to defend the rights and welfare of its members if the alleged forced migration and other grievances persist.