Nigeria: Government and Labour Convene to Address Ongoing Nationwide Strike
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
Government leaders have extended an invitation to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for a meeting this afternoon, seeking a resolution to the ongoing nationwide strike by Organised Labour. The meeting, initiated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), signifies a collaborative effort to address pressing issues.
The NLC and TUC declared an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday in response to the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero and others in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1, alongside pending labor concerns in the state. The decision to commence the strike by Tuesday, November 14, was reached on November 7 if their demands were not met.
Apart from the unfortunate incident involving the NLC President, the strike is fueled by several other grievances. These encompass outstanding salary arrears, the unjust categorization of 11,000 workers as ghost employees, unresolved gratuities, and non-compliance with the N30,000 Minimum Wage Act. Labour leaders also highlight the state’s declaration of 10,000 pensioners as ghost retirees.
It is essential to recall the aggression faced by Ajaero and other labor leaders at the hands of suspected state agents and security operatives. The attackers damaged their vehicles, causing injuries and depriving them of belongings such as handsets, money, and ATM cards. This meeting seeks to address and reconcile these issues for the betterment of all parties involved.
