NLC, TUC Declare Indefinite Strike From October 3

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress have resolved to ground activities nationwide from October 3, 2023, following what the Labour Unions called the “failure” of government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians after the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.

The NLC national president, Joe Ajaero, during a virtual National Executive Council meeting which was took place on Zoom, Tuesday told members of NEC that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward. Ajaero stated that it was resolved that the two centres work together to make their stance known to the government.

According to a source, some members of the NLC initially objected to the development of the NLC working together with the TUC.

“Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we don’t have a choice. The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around.”

The 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC ended last week. The national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero had complained that “none of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”

The union initially observed a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5 and 6 to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.

The NLC and the TUC are demanding wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu had on June 19 organized the Presidential Steering Committee and several sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.

Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the completion of the process expired in August with no action taken.