ALL government establishments, including members of the private sector, will down tools today as organised labour begins a nationwide indefinite strike over the government’s failure to pass into law a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the hike in electricity tariff to N65/KWh.
Also, all affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have been mobilised to comply with the strike.
This came as the leadership of the National Assembly met with the organised labour in Abuja, on Sunday, in a last-ditch effort to avert a strike, which did not yield a desired outcome.
Specifically, the organized labour said its decision stands despite last-minute efforts by the National Assembly leadership to prevent a potential economic shutdown by the unions.
The unions said that they will meet and discuss the appeal made by the leadership of the National Assembly in need to suspend the proposed strike and allow for more dialogue with its organs before taking a decision
“As a responsive parliament, the leadership of the National Assembly, comprising the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, which would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy,” said a statement jointly signed by spokespersons of both legislative chambers, Yemi Adaramodu and Akin Rotimi, Jr.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; Minister of National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Labour; Head of the Civil Service and others.
The statement added: “The National Assembly notes that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions. In view of this, the National Assembly leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Diket Plang, and Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”
