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NO GOING BACK ON PROPOSED STRIKE – NLC, TUC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have vowed to go ahead with their planned indefinite nationwide strike from October 3, 2023, despite the threat by the Federal Government to charge them with contempt of court.
The labour unions are protesting the removal of fuel subsidies and the failure of the government to provide post-subsidy palliatives for workers and the masses.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had warned the labour leaders that their proposed strike was in violation of a subsisting court order restraining them from declaring an industrial action.
He said the ministry had filed a contempt proceeding against them in August but withdrew it following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.
However, the labour leaders said they were not deterred by the government’s intimidation and that they were ready to go to jail for their cause.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the government had enough time to resolve the dispute and address their demands but chose not to do so. He said the NLC would convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take final decisions on the strike.
The labour unions also demanded that the Nigeria Police vacate the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and free its detained leaders.
They also accused the Lagos State Government of interfering in the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and threatened to shut down economic activities in the state on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) expressed concern over the looming strike and warned that it would worsen the ailing economy and diminish the livelihood of citizens.
They urged the government and labour to engage in dialogue and find a lasting solution to the crisis.
