NLC, TUC Commence Strike After Fruitless Sunday Night Meeting With NASS

The organised Labour of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have embarked on an indefinite industrial action over failed negotiations with the federal government on a new worker minimum wage.

The NLC and TUC were undeterred by last-minute negotiations, pleas and subtle threats by the government.

A mediation meeting initiated by the leadership of the National Assembly and held on Sunday night to prevent the indefinite strike from starting on Monday ended fruitless.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, who spoke on behalf of the labour unions, confirmed to Journalists that government representatives pleaded but that the labour leaders insisted on their demands, hence their refusal to call off the strike.

AGF Faults Strike

Following the failure of the National Assembly to persuade the Labour leaders, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), condemned the strike as illegal.

He noted that the strike violated a subsisting National Industrial Court order restraining the unions from grounding the nation through the strike action.

Police Issue Subtle Threat 

The Nigeria Police Force also issued what can be categorised as a subtle threat to the organised Labour over the strike.

In a statement signed and released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, the NPF said the strike could lead to a breakdown of law and order and asked the organised Labour to seek other avenues to agitate for the interests of their members.

The NPF described the strike as “illegal and premature” and asked the unions to “comply with legal procedures”.

In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.

“The NPF at this moment urges organised labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country,” Adejobi wrote.

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Oluwatobi Odeyinka

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