“Strike continues,” says NLC despite late Monday agreement with FG
Orgnaised labour unions in Nigeria have declared that the all-striking industrial action embarked upon on Monday continues despite an agreement with the Federal Government last night.
This was announced in a post on X on Tuesday by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Until we hear from our organs at our meeting scheduled for today, June 4, we are still on strike,” the post read.
The organised labour bodies are seeking a new minimum wage to cushion the biting cost of living in Nigeria that has reached new record levels, following the removal of subsidy and floating of the local currency.
Fuel distribution, health, bank and other essential services nationwide were severely affected as critical sector unions asked their members to ensure total compliance.
Recall that the Nigerian government signed an agreement with the Organised Labour late Monday after the government promised that President Bola Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage above N60,000.
The standoff, which led to nationwide strikes and widespread disruptions, prompted urgent intervention from the National Assembly, culminating in a crucial meeting held on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.
Amidst heightened anticipation, representatives from both sides convened at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demonstrating a collective commitment to finding a viable resolution. Following hours of intense deliberation and mutual engagement, a series of pivotal resolutions were reached, offering hope to millions of workers nationwide.
In acknowledgment of the government’s earnest efforts, organised labour pledged to promptly convene its organs to deliberate on the proposed commitment. This display of cooperation underscores a readiness to engage constructively towards a sustainable solution.
Protection from Retaliation: Crucially, both parties reiterated a firm commitment to ensuring that no worker would face victimization due to their participation in the industrial action. This pledge aims to safeguard the rights and interests of workers throughout the negotiation process.
The agreement was signed after six hours of meeting on Monday.
24 hours after workers crippled Nigeria’s economy, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have reached a deal with the Federal Government to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume disclosed this on Tuesday night while unveiling the resolutions of the emergency meeting with organized labour.
