The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says it has not negotiated any meeting with the federal government that may lead to the averting of the pending industrial action that has already being pencilled to commenced on Tuesday, 2nd October, 2023. This is coming as all is set for the NLC, TUC across the country to fully comply with the directive of proceeding on with industrial action as proposed by the NLC to press home their demand with the federal government over subsidy removal.
Head of Information and Public Affairs of NLC, Benson Upah, revealed that today the issues on ground were beyond what the Ministry of Labour and Employment can handle, saying its position was not to degrade or to undermine office the Minister, Simon Lalong.
In his statement, Upah said, “Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action. Neither do we have any date for a meeting with government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.
“While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting”.
According to him, while they appreciate the role played by Minister in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from what it was described as “unlawful or illegal” police detention, he noted that they take exception to the Ministry describing the executives as factional leaders.
He added, “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. They are advised to retrace their steps.
“If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”
Vigil360 had earlier reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) directed all its affiliates and members to withdraw their services effective 3nd October, 2023 i.e next week Tuesday, over the federal government’s turning deaf ear of labour’s demands.
Meanwhile, a a platform for civil society group called United Action Front of Civil Service, responsible for holding government accountable on democracy has okay the NLC position to proceeds on the industrial action, noting that will be all out to mobilise on behalf of labour.