BREAKING: Organised labour unions in Nigeria issue notice of nationwide strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a 14-day notice of a nationwide strike to the Federal Government.
This action follows the government’s failure to fulfil the terms of the 16-point agreement reached with organized labour (NLC and TUC) on October 2, 2023.
Leaders of both organizations have voiced their dismay over the government’s apparent disregard for the widespread suffering and hardship experienced by the populace, despite the concerted efforts of organized labour to foster workplace harmony.
NLC and TUC, in a statement, lamented that “it is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice”.
“Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024,” the statement added.
Last month, the NLC accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government of being unfaithful in its promises to workers in 2023.
The organized labour in a statement by its president, Joe Ajaero, condemned the federal government for not keeping to promises with Nigerian workers in the face of biting economic realities.
Comrade Ajaero pointed out that members “have faced uncertainties, overcome obstacles, and witnessed moments that may have left them feeling disheartened.”
He berated the government for not living up to expectations in fulfilling a provisional wage for three months, completing the Port Harcourt refinery, and implementing the Compressed Natural Gas initiative as promised by the government.
