By KEMI KASUMU
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are finally united in declaring indefinite strike action against government policy of fuel subsidy removal that has inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians across levels.
Following a joint press briefing held by both leadership of the union in Abuja, the nation’s capital today Tuesday.September 26, 2023, the workers’ unions said the strike action will commence on Tuesday October 3.
They also asked their state chapters to mobilise for protests across the country.
It was gathered that the union leaders had resolved their differences that made only NLC embark on a two-day warning strike without the participation of TUC.
According to the notice of meeting signed by the NLC Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the meeting is holding virtually.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has appealed to the NLC leadership to shelve the planned strike, assuring them that the Federal Government is determined to address the concerns raised.
The minister also noted that one of the major demands of the NLC in their last meeting has been met, which has to do with the release of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport workers.
A statement signed by the spokesman of the spokesman of the ministry’s Olajide Oshundu, urged the workers’ unions to give the government a little more time to address other issues.
On Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday 6, 2023, NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike to force the government to address the mass suffering of Nigerians, especially workers.
Sources privy to the matter said the two sides after their separate organs’ meetings, commenced a joint press briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday to announce an indefinite nationwide strike following the Federal Government’s failure to address the suffering and other socioeconomic hardships occasioned by the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
