The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has lambasted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over their indefinite strike action, which began on Monday, accusing the Unions of holding the entire country hostage for the benefit of a tiny minority.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the group’s Director of Strategic Communications, Ismaila Umar Ali, on Tuesday.
In a scathing statement, the DWI condemned the labour unions for what it called ‘selfish and reckless’ demands, warning that their actions would further exacerbate Nigeria’s already dire economic situation.
The group noted that the strike has caused widespread hardship, with millions of Nigerians struggling to access basic services and make ends meet.
“It is unconscionable that a tiny fraction of the population, less than 1%, is holding the entire country to ransom, causing untold hardship and suffering for the majority,” the statement reads.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers of selfishness and the need for collective responsibility,” it said.
The DWI also criticised the unions’ demand for salary increase, noting that it would only serve to worsen Nigeria’s inflationary trend and burden the already struggling masses.
“At a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, it is irresponsible for the labour unions to prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the nation,” the group said.
The DWI urged the government to stand firm and prioritise the welfare of the majority, rather than caving in to the demands of a vocal minority.
“The government must not succumb to the pressure of the labour unions, but rather must prioritize the interests of all Nigerians.
“The labour unions must recognize that their actions have consequences and engage in meaningful negotiations that prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians, not just their own members, ” it added.
Furthermore, the DWI called on the labour unions to consider the long-term effects of their actions and engage in constructive dialogue with the government.
DWI emphasised that the strike action is a selfish and reckless move that will only serve to worsen Nigeria’s economic situation. It urged all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the nation and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Labour Unions had on Tuesday suspended the indefinite strike action for one week following commitment by the Federal Government that President Bola Tinubu will pay more than the initial N60,000 offer as monthly minimum wage to the workers.
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