NLC, TUC Fixes Date To Commence Indefinite Strike

By Babatunde Solanke

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have fixed October 3, 2023 for the commencement of an indefinite strike action across the country in protest against the federal government’s delay in providing palliatives to cushion the economic hardship resulting from the fuel subsidy removal.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, NLC and TUC Presidents, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, stated, “The National Executive Councils (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in their respective meetings deeply analysed the current situation in the country, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation.

The two labour body unanimously condemned the apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in addressing the consequences of the petrol price hike on Nigerians.

“The councils deliberated on the continued refusal of the federal government to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue within the ambits of good faith, given the 21-day ultimatum, the subsequent successful 2-day nationwide warning strike on the 5th and 6th of September, and other meetings that were supposed to demonstrate the preparedness of Nigerian workers to proceed with their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if their demands were not met.

“To this end, the NLC and TUC NEC-in-session observed that there is no disagreement between Labour and Government regarding the massive suffering, impoverishment, and hunger in the country due to the hike in the price of gasoline, demanding an urgent need for remedial action.

“The government has completely abdicated this responsibility and has shown gross unwillingness to act, leaving the Nigerian people and workers in excruciating poverty and affliction.

“The federal government has continued to grandstand and thwart all avenues for peaceful dialogue with organised labour on ways to alleviate the hardship experienced by Nigerians due to the unconscionable hike in the price of petrol (PMS).

The government has not substantially met the demands of Nigerian workers and people, as previously advocated in our mutually agreed roadmap to salvage the economy and protect workers and Nigerians from monumental hardship.

“The grace period given by the two labour centres having expired, trade unions continue to face severe threats from the state through the brutal and suppressive power of the police and government.

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) continues to be illegally occupied by the government through the instrumentality of the police, who have assumed the leadership of NURTW.

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) continues to be illegally occupied by the Lagos state government, in total disregard of the courts and statutes.