In order to prevent a warning strike that the union had planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, the Federal Government has indicated its willingness to meet with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday.
The NLC declared a two-day warning strike last Friday in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to engage in discussions with organized labor about how to lessen the effects of the loss of gasoline subsidies on the poor majority.
Additionally, on August 2, 2023, organized labor protested the “anti-people” actions of President Tinubu’s administration.
The NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and its affiliate unions demonstrated in Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo, among other states.
The union accused the administration of abandoning negotiations and failing to execute some of the resolutions reached during earlier engagements.
Following the strike declaration, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, told reporters that the government would meet with union leaders to avoid the strike.
Idris stated that with the appointment of Simon Lalong as the new Minister of Labour and Employment, the Federal Government will find a long-term solution to the problem.
He stated, “Definitely, we are hoping the warning strike can be averted.
“They are still engaged in discussions and have started to understand each other’s position more.
“They will meet again on Monday, but the gaps are being closed.
“You know the new minister just came in and has just begun to engage with the NLC.
“Going forward, you will see more expeditious engagement with the labour union. So far, tension has reduced but work is still in progress.
“By Monday, they will meet again and hopefully find an amicable resolution on the issue.”
Speaking on the Federal Government’s plans for a 21-day strike later this month if the parties fail to reach an agreement, the minister expressed confidence that the matter would be settled before then.
“This is why I said we’re trying to find a common ground to avoid the impending strike. Once this is completed, the other will be taken care of”, he explained.
However, the NLC Assistant National Secretary, Christopher Onyeka, has debunked claims of a scheduled meeting with FG to avert the warning strike.
“They didn’t invite us to any meeting, so there is no meeting between us and the government. They have not met with us, and there is no official plan to meet with us.
“The labour movement is a negotiation platform built around dialogue.
“We are not the ones who left the table; it’s the government that has been running away from the table”, he stated.
Onyeka underlined that the union’s demands were unreasonable and that the government could do nothing to prevent the Tuesday warning strike.
He stated that there is no turning back since the government must prioritise delivering for Nigerians’ interests and wishes.
“Our demands are heavy; they are not what the government can meet between now and Tuesday. We are going on strike and this is a warning strike.
“This is to demonstrate to the government our determination, commitment and preparedness to embark on strike, so they would know that we mean business and we are prepared, committed to ensuring that the right things are done for Nigeria.
“You don’t treat Nigerians with contempt or disregard them. They cannot treat Nigerians as if our desires and interests do not matter.
“Government is about the people and providing benefits for the interests and desires of Nigerians. It is not about the interests of those who are in government, so they should listen to us.
“They should listen to the position of Nigerians. As leaders, don’t just listen to foreign bodies, you listen to Nigerians.”
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