Osun Workers End 3-day Sympathy Strike

Workers in the service of the Osun State government on Thursday returned to their duty posts after a three-day sympathy strike in solidarity with members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the withheld local government funds by the Federal Government.

Workers across all sectors had complied with the directive issued on Sunday by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter, directing them to embark on a three-day sympathy strike in solidarity with NULGE over the withheld funds.

Visits by LEADERSHIP to public schools, government agencies, parastatals and offices revealed a large turnout of workers at their duty posts, in compliance with the directives of organised labour to end the three-day strike action.

The directive was contained in a joint statement signed by the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Christopher Arapasopo; the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bimbo Fasaasi; and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Lekan Adediran.

The labour unions expressed appreciation to workers, pensioners and affiliate unions for their support, cooperation and peaceful conduct throughout the industrial dispute.

The unions said the solidarity displayed by members demonstrated the unity and collective commitment of the labour unions to protecting workers’ rights, welfare and dignity.

The statement partly read, “The Organised Labour in Osun State expresses its profound appreciation to all affiliate unions, workers, pensioners and members for their unwavering solidarity, cooperation and exemplary conduct throughout the three-day sympathy strike in support of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State Council.

“We commend all members for their commitment, discipline, unity and peaceful conduct during the industrial action. Your solidarity has once again demonstrated the strength of the labour movement and our collective resolve to defend workers’ rights, welfare and dignity.”

However, the union urged workers to remain calm, united and steadfast while maintaining mobilisation and staying on standby for further directives from the leadership of the Organised Labour.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a civil servant said he was happy to participate in the strike because, according to him, local government councils, which are supposed to be closest to the people, have become moribund for lack of funds to carry out their constitutional duties.

Besides, he noted that workers in the service of local government councils in the state are being denied some of their entitlements, adding that fellow workers in the state cannot afford to allow them to suffer; hence, the sympathy strike.