The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed its commitment to its scheduled indefinite strike, set to commence on October 3.
Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, in a statement on Thursday, clarified that the union had not engaged in any discussions with the government that might lead to the suspension of the impending strike.
“We do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action; neither do we have any date for a meeting with government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike,” he said.
The union also took issue with the stance of the Ministry of Labour and Employment on the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
While acknowledging the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, in securing the release of NURTW executives from police detention, the NLC objected to the Ministry’s characterisation of the executives as “factional leaders”.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, cautioned the labour unions against proceeding with the proposed strike.
In a letter dated September 26 but made public on Thursday, the AGF reminded the unions of a pending court order issued by the industrial court concerning the dispute.
Mr Fagbemi stressed that the proposed strike would violate the existing interim injunctive order issued on June 5, 2023, which prohibited both the NLC and the TUC from embarking on any industrial action.
NEC appeals to labour
The National Economic Council (NEC) also appealed to the union to reconsider its decision to strike.
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, made the appeal on Thursday after the NEC meeting at the State House in Abuja.
Governor Mutfwang urged organised labour to be patient with the Federal Government and allow more time for dialogue.
He added that the welfare of Nigerian workers would be addressed in President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast on Sunday.
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