Strike: Federal Govt, Labour Meeting Deadlocked As Talks Continue

The meeting between the federal government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a move to avert the impending indefinite strike  yesterday ended without reaching concrete resolutions.

Both parties have agreed to continue talks before the end of the 21-day ultimatum on Thursday.

NLC national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who spoke with journalists after the meeting, insisted that only the presidency, not the Ministry of Labour and Employment, can take decisions on the demands presented to the government.

Ajaero also expressed readiness of the labour centre to meet the government any time of the day to find solutions to its demands to avert the looming strike.

He said, “Like the minister said, we had a fruitful deliberation and we have agreed to continue to make sure we arrive at a meaningful agreement within the remaining days of the ultimatum.

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“We equally discussed frankly the issue bordering the coup floated and executed by the Nigeria Police against the National Union of Road Transport Workers which has led to the detention of their democratically elected national officers and both parties agreed to show concern towards the resolution of the matter.

“It is one sore area that the trade union movement in Nigeria is not ready to compromise. Whether a coup in the trade union movement or in the polity. It must be condemned; whether it is in Niger Republic, Congo or Mali or in the trade union movement in Nigeria.” 

He pointed out there has not been any agreement or implementation on any of the issues like that of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Ajaero said: “There is no CNG anywhere. Refineries are not working. No agreement on wage award. Those are the issues we believe that something will happen before the ultimatum expires. It is possible that something will happen.”

On his part, the minister of labour and employment, Simon Lalong said that discussions on many of the items which NLC had tabled previously before the federal government was yet to reach the final stage.

Lalong, who acknowledged the valid grievances that have fuelled the recent labour crisis, stressed that the federal government remains committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.

While addressing journalists at the start of the meeting, the minister said the meeting was an avenue for constructive dialogue, to enable the government to understand the concerns of the union and work hand in hand with it to find lasting solutions that benefit all Nigerians.

Lalong also lamented that the country has in recent times witnessed teething challenges, marked by industrial actions and unrest that have adversely affected the economy.

However, he stressed that while workers face economic realities, it was important to strike a balance that fosters economic growth and ensures long-term prosperity for the country.