The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a two-day nationwide warning strike beginning Tuesday, September 5 over failure of the federal government to meet demands raised by organised labour on critical issues affecting Nigerians and the consequences of the fuel subsidy removal.
NLC national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero at a news briefing in Abuja yesterday, said labour would embark on an indefinite and total shut-down of the country if nothing is done at the expiration of the warning strike.
The strike according to the labour leader is 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 meeting of the congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) that analysed the prevailing national issues.
He further stated that the NEC 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.
He said the strike would involve mass protests and rallies 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 necessitate the strike include; the take over of national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW ) by the police, renewed onslaught against trade unions and their leaderships by some state governments, and unresolved industrial dispute between NLC and the Abia State government.
Labour also demanded that the new minister of the Federal Capital Territory 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 are; 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.”
