NLC, TUC To Start Nationwide Indefinite Strike October 3

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), yesterday, declared an indefinite strike commencing from the 3rd of October.

Leaders of the two organisations advised Nigerians to prepare for a protracted strike and use the time between yesterday and next Monday to stockpile food and other needs in a joint statement following separate emergency National Executive Council, NEC, sessions held by each of the two labor centers.

This comes after failed  promises by the federal government to conclude wage award, which was a major demand by the labour leaders, to the two labour centres.

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The communiqué, jointly read by NLC and TUC Presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, at the Labour House, Abuja, directed state councils and affiliates of the two centres to step up mobilization of members and allies for total strike.

They said the indefinite strike is a result of the perceived insensitivity of government to the plights of workers and other Nigerians, following the petrol subsidy removal and continuous demonstration of unwillingness and complete lack of initiative to address the fall-outs of the removal and other harsh economic policies.

According to the communiqué: “NLC and TUC in their various meetings deeply analyzed the current situation in the country, taking into cognizance the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation and unanimously condemned the apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in handling the consequences of its Petrol Price hike on Nigerians.

“The councils deliberated on the continued refusal of the Federal Government to engage in a meaningful and constructive dialogue within the ambit of good faith given the 21 days ultimatum and the subsequent successful two-day nationwide warning strike of the 5th and 6th of September and other meetings that were supposed to demonstrate the preparedness of Nigerian workers to push through their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if their demands were not met.”

The communiqué explained that “the NLC and TUC NEC-in-session observed that there is no disagreement between labour and government on the existence of massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol which demands an urgent need for remedial action.

In resolution, the NLC and TUC concluded to, “in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration and to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria, take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation

To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023.

lTo direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

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lTo direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilizing accordingly for action to organize street protests and rallies until government responds positively to our demands

lTo enjoin all patriotic Nigerians to join hands across the nation to assist this government put the people back at the centre of its policies and programmes.’’

It will be recalled that the Minister of labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, said on Monday that the Federal Government will soon conclude wage award to workers, being one of the demands of the labour movement.

The Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, had said in a statement: He (Lalong) maintained that industrial harmony remains key to the socio-economic development of any nation, and urged the union to work in synergy with the federal government in moving the country forward.