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In a last-ditch effort to avert the impending strike warned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) set for Tuesday and Wednesday, the Federal Government has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with the labor union on Monday.
Nevertheless, the labor union remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the two-day warning strike. They have reaffirmed their commitment to negotiations with the government despite previous unfulfilled promises.
Several state chapters of the NLC have declared their readiness to participate in the strike, while others have announced that their executive committees will convene on Monday as a preliminary step towards the strike action.
The NLC, in a communiqué jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Friday, justified the nationwide strike as a response to the government’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding measures to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidies, particularly for the vulnerable population.
The union has accused the Federal Government of reneging on negotiation commitments and failing to implement resolutions from previous discussions with organized labor. The NLC has articulated no less than six grievances against the government, expressing its intention to initiate a complete and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 to 21 working days from Friday, pending government actions to address widespread suffering and impoverishment across the country.
Additionally, the strike is also motivated by allegations of police encroachments at the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, violations of workers’ and trade unions’ rights and privileges in Imo State, government interference in trade union affairs by the Abia State Government, and the proposed demolition of houses by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among other concerns.
