The federal government has until Friday to comply with the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, or face further labour unrest.
This occurred when the government begged for more time to resolve the labour movement’s complaints.
The leadership of the labour movement reminded the government explicitly that no one could accuse it of not giving the government more than enough time to fulfil its concerns during the Ministry of Labour and Employment and NLC meeting, which was resumed.
Among the demands are wage awards, tax breaks and allowances for public sector employees, a decrease in the cost of governance, the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, the release of N70 billion in modalities for SMEs, the release of officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from police custody, and a suspension of the occupation of police-backed intruders.
One of the NLC leaders present at the meeting claimed that Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, among others, expressed hope that the government would satisfy the union’s requests before the 21-day deadline passed.
“Precisely, this Friday, September 22, is the end of our 21-day ultimatum. Remember that we gave you the deadline on September 1, 2023. Comrade Ajaero has thus made it plain that the government has till Friday to respond to our demands or face the possibility of further labour unrest.
“He referenced the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, mess and requested that the Police and Federal government be summoned to order to provide the union some breathing room.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, FMLE, has jurisdiction over the NURTW matter, which the ministry can handle right away.
“Ajaero responded that nobody can accuse the congress of not giving the government reasonable time because we have given the government more than enough time to act at the closed-door meeting after the break when the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, who called the meeting, called on NLC to give the government more time to address our demands.
We have already given the administration a decent amount of time, so asking for more is unfair. Within the remaining days of the ultimatum, he pressed the minister to take quick action.
He told the minister that the congress could not adjourn the meeting without accomplishing some of our goals. We won’t advise Nigerians to grant the administration a reasonable amount of time based on what we have.
“The administration must now fulfil our demands by Friday. In order to meet the demands of the moment after Friday, the NLC will take whatever industrial action it considers necessary, the source stated.
Simon Lalong, the minister of labour, had earlier declared that the federal government was dedicated to resolving the NLC’s legitimate complaints.
Lalong, who was accompanied by Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyejecha, told the NLC that it recognised and appreciated the crucial role it played in promoting the rights and welfare of workers in the nation. He also begged for understanding and cooperation, saying that efforts were being made to address the teething issues.
Ajaero bemoaned the lack of confidence between the government and the NLC in an interview with reporters following the meeting.
“The strike is a result of a policy that doesn’t have a human face,” he remarked. Before the fuel subsidies were eliminated, there was no strike. The government was the one who stated, “Ask for painkillers; ask for wages; we’ve asked for it.” Up until this point, the warning strike was a result of exasperation.
“There are several issues, including CNG, operating refineries, wage awards, and cash transfers. You want us to meet every day, yet the administration hasn’t addressed any one of these agreements.
Some of us have been around for a while; it is not our responsibility to go on strike; rather, you should follow through on agreements you make. We brought up the NURTW, pay awards, and palliative care issues prior to the warning strike.
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Nobody making N30,000 or N60,000 a week will purchase fuel. All of these issues require remedies, which we have outlined. They request more time each time we complete.
“We gave them the eight weeks they requested. We granted them the four weeks they requested. We are unsure of what to say to our members or coworkers once more.
Simon Lalong, the minister of labour, stated that the government was dedicated to addressing all of the issues brought up by the NLC in a fair and just manner.
However, he added that as it works to meet the demands of the labour market, government must be aware of finding a balance that fosters economic growth and ensures sustainable progress for the country.
“We acknowledge the legitimate grievances that have contributed to the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to resolving them in a just and equitable manner,” Lalong stated.
He expressed gratitude for the NLC’s participation in the meeting, which was intended to address the current labour situation and foster economic growth in the nation.
“In recent months, our nation has had teething problems, characterised by strikes and other forms of unrest that have hurt the economy.
“I appear before you today not just as a representative of the government, but also as an advocate for constructive dialogue, aspiring to understand your concerns and working hand in glove to find lasting solutions that benefit all Nigerians,” he continued.
