The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have announced its decision to to ground activities nationwide from October 3, 2023.
The Labour unions cited “government’s failure” to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit as reason for the move.
NLC’s national president, Joe Ajaero on Tuesday made the announcement during a virtual National Executive Council meeting which was held on Zoom according to Punch.
Ajaero informed members of NEC that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward adding that it was resolved that the two centres work together to make their stance known to the government.
“A source who was present that some members of the NLC initially objected to the development of the NLC working together with the TUC.”
“Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we don’t have a choice. The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around.”
Truth Live News recalls that the 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC ended last week. The national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero had complained that “none of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”
Earlier, a two-day nationwide warning strike was observed by the unions on September 5 and 6 to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.
Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu had on June 19 set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.
The Federal Government had made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August with no action taken.
The committees were given eight weeks to conclude their assignment and hasten the implementation of the framework in cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians but weeks after the timeframe expired, the sub-committees had yet to meet or actualise their mandates, thus leading to the latest decision by the NLC and TUC.
More to follow…