Subsidy Withdrawal: NLC, TUC Fix October 3 For Commencement Of Strike

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) have agreed to begin another round of national strike as from October, 3.

The Unions vowed to ground activities nationwide, over what they tagged as the “failure” of government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.

NLC national president, Joe Ajaero, during a virtual National Executive Council meeting which was held on Zoom, Tuesday told members of NEC that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward.

Ajaero noted that it was resolved that the two centres work together to make their stance known to the government.

A source who was present at the meeting noted that some members of the NLC initially objected to the development of the NLC working together with the TUC.

“Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we don’t have a choice. The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around.”

NLC first observed a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5 and 6 to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu had on June 19 set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.

Though Government made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organized Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August with no action taken.