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WHY WE SUSPENDED NATIONWIDE STRIKE, BY ORGANISED LABOUR
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have given reasons why they suspended their indefinite nationwide strike, which began on May 3rd.
The labour unions gave the Federal Government a one-week ultimatum to meet their demands.
In a communique signed by NLC and TUC Presidents, Comrades Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, the labour unions stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal offer to commit to a higher national minimum wage and the need to create an ambiance for negotiations to continue unhindered are the reasons for suspending the strike.
The labour unions expressed hope that the Federal Government will commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage, reverse the electricity tariff hike to N66/kwh, and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
The communique also stated that the labour unions reviewed the government’s position on other critical demands and examined the circumstances behind their withdrawal from the Tripartite national minimum wage negotiation process.
The communique said, “The NEC critically examined the following key issues:
1. The Federal Government’s proposal to commit to a higher national minimum wage.
2. The ongoing demands for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike back to N66/kwh.
3. The demand for the stoppage of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
4. The reasons for withdrawing from the Tripartite Committee for the Negotiation of the National Minimum Wage.
5. The content of the memorandum of understanding reached with the Federal Government at the meeting of Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024 On the National Minimum Wage.”
The labour unions resolved to relax the indefinite nationwide strike action for one week to allow the Federal Government to commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage and take definitive steps to address the electricity tariff hike and discriminatory classification of electricity consumers.
The NLC and TUC national leadership were mandated to continue negotiating with the Federal Government to secure favourable outcomes for Nigerian workers and people.
All affiliate unions and State Councils were directed to return to their respective workplaces immediately.The labour unions expressed gratitude to Nigerian workers and the general public for their support and solidarity.
