NLC threatens nationwide indefinite strike over increasing hardship

Begins 2-day Warning Action Tuesday

Plans are underway by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on a nationwide strike over the lingering hardship on the citizens within the next three weeks.

Congress said this at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. At the meeting, the NLC said it deeply analysed the prevailing national sentiment, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting the citizens across all states of the federation.  
 
It said the council scrutinised the Federal Government’s failure to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in the nation and has refused to engage and reach an agreement with organised labour on the critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol, which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses.

In a communique jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, Congress resolved: “To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today (yesterday) until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.”

NLC also disclosed that it will embark on a two-day industrial action to protest against the occupation of the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
 
“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW),” Congress stated.

The national umbrella body of Nigerian workers also hinted that its protest march will berth in Imo state later in September for what it described as a major shutdown of the state to compel the state government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.

Also, the NLC stated that it will begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of association and to collectively bargain and organise.
 
Congress also called on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their own hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution of any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN), which is one of our affiliates.

It also urged the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to desist from threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties built from their years of toil but should focus on making houses available to the people.

“He is not a Minister of Demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances,” it said.