Strike: NLC, TUC Have No ‘Empäthy’ For Nigerians-Reps

The House of Representatives says the Organised Labour in the country has no empathy for Nigerians in the manner in which they embarked on strike on Monday, June 3.

The strike was declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC on May 31 after negotiation over the new minimum wage broke down.

The negotiation broke down after Labour rejected the N60,000 minimum wage offered by the federal government. Labour had demanded N494,000.

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Reps and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio had earlier failed to stop the NLC and TUC from embarking on the strike.

The strike had now been suspended for a week to allow for more negotiation with the government.

In a statement by the House spokesman Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday, the lawmakers “frowned on the manner in which Labour conducted itself during the just-suspended strike, largely shows a lack of empathy for Nigerians.”

For instance, the lawmakers said they were not happy that the national grid was shut down, resulting in a national blackout across the country while the National Assembly complex was also shut by striking workers.

The act, they insist, is a sabotage on the country, calling on the federal government to bring those involve to justice.

The lawmakers however stated that they agreed with Organised Labour on the need for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The statement reads: “The House of Representatives acknowledges the recent industrial action undertaken by the NLC and the TUC due to the breakdown in negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

“The People’s House is pleased to note that the strike action has been suspended for one week to allow for further negotiation.

“During this period, as we have previously demonstrated, the People’s House remains responsive and committed to actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of Nigerians.

“House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has consistently advocated a living wage and better working conditions for workers.

“At various fora, he has emphasised the importance of addressing key national priorities, including the state of the economy and insecurity, through legislative action.

“While the Green Chamber is in full support of the call for improved wages and working conditions, there is a great need to exercise caution in increasing the minimum wage beyond what our economy can sustain, to avoid unintended outcomes such as inflation, layoffs, and other adverse economic consequences.

“Thus, we restate the importance of approaching this issue from a balanced perspective to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all.

“In the same vein, we observed with concern, the direction of the strike action before its suspension, and what it portends for the future.

“Importantly, the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid, constitutes economic sabotage and is detrimental to the well-being of our country. Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“We also find it troubling that the leadership of Organised Labour, the majority of who live far above the means of the average Nigerian, would engage in actions that exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens.

“It is necessary, therefore, to state that while industrial actions and dissent are fundamental rights within our democratic space that must be protected, the manner in which Labour conducted itself during the just-suspended strike, largely shows a lack of empathy for Nigerians.

“Is the objective of the leadership of the unions to compel the government to implement a living wage or to inflict pain on Nigerians?

“Additionally, it is important to address persistent misinformation and disinformation propagated by organised Labour leadership regarding the earnings of lawmakers.

“This is especially because organised Labour has for years, contributed to false narratives about the remuneration of members of the National Assembly, exaggerating figures to stoke public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.

“This tactic diverts attention from the core issues at stake and unfairly vilifies the institution of parliament. It is crucial for all parties to engage in an honest and transparent dialogue rather than resorting to the spread of inaccuracies for political leverage.

“Contrary to the insinuations of the Labour leadership through its social media platforms, the Legislature is on the side of Nigerians and will continue to act in the best interest of our constituents – giving meaning to their mandate.

“The 10th House of Representatives is committed to strengthening relevant legislation to ensure that essential services remain operational during future industrial actions, thereby protecting the lives and well-being of all,” the statement said.