The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have concluded plans to commence an indefinite industrial action from October 3, 2023.
This is with a view to compel the APC-led government to rescind the decision on the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol and other resolutions that caused hardship in the country.
To this end, Nigerian workers, both in public and private sector have been directed to withdraw their services from October 3, 2023.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of a joint National Executive Council meeting of the two labour unions on Tuesday in Abuja.
It was jointly endorsed by the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr Festus Osifo.
Comrade Ajaero noted that labour and the government agreed that there was massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol.
He pointed out that the demands needed an urgent intervention, lamenting that the Federal Government had continued to forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organised labour.
Ajero alleged that the government had totally abdicated its responsibility and shown gross unwillingness to act, thereby abandoning Nigerians and its workers to excruciating poverty and affliction.
“The government has continued to demonstrate not just an unwillingness to mitigate the massive hardship in the country.
“But also a complete lack of intention to take positive steps and empathy for the multi-dimensionally impoverished citizens of Nigeria, among others,” he added.
Presidential Diary had reported that NLC held a 2-day warning strike from Tuesday, September 5 to Wednesday, September 6, over the failure of President Bola Tinubu to dialogue with stakeholders in the workers union on plans to reduce the suffering accompanied by the removal of subsidy on petrol.
Other grievances included the alleged exploitation of the rights of workers in Imo State, interference in trade union matters by the Abia State Government and proposed demolition by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Though the TUC shunned the warning strike but some of the issues that prompted them to stay aside have been resolved by the two labour unions.
On his part, Festus Osifo said that the upcoming strike is another means to demonstrate their resolve for a truly independent Nigeria, take their destiny in their own hands and rescue the nation.
He said the NLC/TUC NEC-in-session, resolved as follows: “To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours, Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023.
“To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.
“To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilising accordingly for action to organise street protests and rallies until government responds positively to their demands,” he said.
Osifo pleaded with all patriotic Nigerians to join hands across the nation to make the government to churn out policies and programmes that would be favourable to all.
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