No Going Back On October 3 Strike, NLC Insists

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it has reached no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for October 3, insisting that the planned industrial action will still continue. Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands. Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, 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 the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike. “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added. He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention. Upah added: “We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders. “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

NLC, TUC Announce Indefinite Strike Commencing October 3

*Urges Nigerian To Prepare and Stock Up Food The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria have jointly declared an indefinite strike set to commence on October 3. In anticipation of this labour action, both organizations are urging Nigerians to stock up on essential food supplies due to the expected shutdown of economic activities across the nation. President Joe Ajaero of NLC and President Festus Osifo of the TUC made this announcement following separate Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meetings held in Abuja on Tuesday. The decision to initiate the indefinite strike was prompted by what they perceive as the government’s lack of sensitivity to the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly regarding the removal of the petrol subsidy and a perceived lack of proactive measures to palliate the move.