NLC insist on warning strike, FG propose dialogue
The Nigeria labour congress (NLC) has affirmed that communiqué jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Friday on the decision to go on two-day nationwide strike will hold.
The Labour congress threat has spur the FG to fix dialogue with the Congress executives on Monday.
Recall, the Congress protest action on August 2 and the dialogue between the Congress and senate. The FG promised to involve the Congress in deciding on measures to cushion the effect of subsidy removal but failed to instead palliative funds were disbursed to state.
Unions in the critical sectors of the economy and 52 other affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have stepped up the mobilisation of members ahead of the two-day warning strike planned by the workers’ body to protest the increasing suffering of citizens following the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol.
The Labour congress communiqué, reads in part; “To commence a two-day warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5th and 6th September 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacates the illegally occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers”.
The union accused the Federal Government of abandoning negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous engagements with the government.
The labour union listed no fewer than six grievances it had with the government, noting that its NEC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today (Friday) until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.
Following the declaration of the strike, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirms that the FG will meet with the Congress leaders tomorrow to see if the protest can be averted.
