The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Friday, declared a two-day nationwide warning strike beginning Tuesday, September 5 over failure of the federal government to meet demands raised by the organised labour on critical issues affecting Nigerians and the consequences of the fuel subsidy removal.
NLC national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, at a briefing with journalists in Abuja, said that the organised labour will also embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the country should nothing is done on the expiration of the warning strike.
The strike, according to the labour leader, was to demonstrate discontent with the federal government over its failure to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering of Nigerians occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
According to Ajaero, the decision was reached on Thursday evening after an all-inclusive session meeting of the congress’ National Executive Council (NEC) that had analysed the prevailing national issues.
He further stated that the NLC NEC has considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.
The organised labour also said the strike will involve mass protest and rally in Imo State against the state government’s abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.
Other issues of concern that necessitated the strike include; the takeover of the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW ) by the officers of the Nigerian Police Force, renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by some state governments, unresolved industrial dispute between NLC and the Abia State government.
The organised labour also demanded that the new minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, desist from threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties and focus more on making houses available to the people.
Other issues of discontent, according to NLC, include continued violation of the rights of workers to join unions of their choice by some certain aviation companies and the need for the federal government to address attack on farmers and citizens by herdsmen across the nation.
Ajaero said, “NEC-in-Session resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.
“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).”
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