From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have overcome their initial disagreement over the timing for strike and concluded arrangements to embark on a nationwide strike starting from October 3, 2023.
The decision was reached by the organised Labour Unions on Tuesday after the failure of the Federal Government to address their demands to implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians, following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.
Other demands the NLC and the TUC are asking for are implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.
The National President of NLC, Joe Ajaero during a virtual National Executive Council meeting which was held on Zoom, Tuesday told members of NEC that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward.
Ajaero noted that it was resolved that the two centres work together to make their stance known to the government.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has assured Nigerian workers that the government will soon conclude the issue of wage award.
The minister also appealed to the NLC not to embark on its planned strike, and allow government work to resolve all pending issues.
Speaking on Tuesday, during a joint press briefing, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said an indefinite strike became inevitable owing to the government’s lackadaisical stance in meeting demands raised by both unions.
Ajaero said the executive councils of both unions, having taken into consideration the stance of the government in the wake of the subsidy removal policy, left them with no option but to call for an indefinite strike.
“The FG has put nothing to the table. There is no agreement from all the resolutions that are mutually signed. The government is not prepared. This is the first government to remove fuel subsidy and is very confused on actions to take,” he said.
Stating his support, the President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, said they resolved that beginning from October 3rd, all workers are expected to withdraw their services.
