The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that there is no agreement in place with the Nigerian government to delay the impending indefinite strike scheduled to commence next Tuesday.
This statement was released by Mr. Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC. He further revealed that no meetings with the government have been arranged that could lead to the suspension of the planned strike.
The NLC’s stance comes in response to the United Action Front of Civil Society’s announcement of support for the indefinite strike. This coalition of civil society groups and activists has declared a sit-in to back the strike.
The NLC’s statement emphasized, “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 minimize the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the ministry. This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting.”
“Secondly, while we appreciate the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful/illegal police detention, we take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders,” the statement added.
According to Sahara Reporters, the NLC also advised the Nigerian Police and those responsible for the difficulties faced by the NURTW officials, “to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct.”
The United Action Front of Civil Society, an organized platform for civil society groups and activists focused on governance and democracy issues in Nigeria, has expressed its full support for the joint indefinite nationwide strike declared by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) starting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
| Sahara Reporters
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