*Labour insists govt must halt all anti-poor, draconian policies
*Urges Nigerians to stock their homes with essential items
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have resolved to ground activities nationwide from October 3, 2023, following what the Labour Unions tagged as the “failure” of government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.
The NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, during a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which was held on Zoom, Tuesday, told members that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward.
He said government has “substantially failed to meet its demands after the removal of fuel subsidy.”
He urged Nigerians to stock their homes wirh essential food items ahead of the planned nationwide strike.
Ajaero noted that it was resolved that the two Labour unions should work together and make their stance known to the government.
Rhe organised labour had demanded immediate reversal of what they described as all anti-poor policies of the Federal Government.
It also wants a stop to the increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university teachers and workers as well as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).
A source who was present at the meeting said: “Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we don’t have a choice.
“The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around.”
The 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC ended last week.
The two labour unions thereafter directed their affiliates to mobilise for an indefinite strike from October 3rd.
Ajaero had complained that “none of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”
The union had earlier observed a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5th and 6th to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.
Among other things, the organised are asking for wage awards, practical implementation of palliatives to cushion the terrible impact of fuel subsidy removal, tax exemptions and allowances to the public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu had on June 19th set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.
Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August, with no action taken whatsoever.
