The organised Labour on Tuesday threatened to begin an indefinite strike should the Federal Government fail to meet its demands at the end of a 21-day ultimatum which will expire in approximately one week’s time.
The workers’ union said the proposed strike was; necessary following the failure of the Federal Government to provide palliatives to; assuage the Nigerians’ hardships as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.
The Nigeria Labour Congress said; the industrial action which may commence any day from next week would; lead to an indefinite shutdown of commercial and economic activities across the country.
Labour
On Tuesday, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Christopher Onyeka, said the FG was wrong to share a bag of rice with a dozen citizens while reportedly; giving N100m palliative to each member of the National Assembly.
The union had; on September 1 handed down a 21-day ultimatum to the FG over the delay in sharing of palliatives, saying it might be; compelled to declare an indefinite labour action if its demands were; not met.
“If the government fails to provide the appropriate responses to our demands, we encourage you to maintain your steadfast resolve. The same passion and determination that fuelled this warning strike will be; crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike,’’ the labour body said in a letter to the FG.
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To demonstrate its seriousness, the NLC mobilised workers for a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, partially grounding social and economic activities in several states with banks, ministries, agencies and departments closed to the public in some states.
The NLC leadership had said the action was; in preparation for a total shutdown which would start at the expiration of the ultimatum next week.
Wage
Among other demands, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress were; asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to the public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.
Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework; for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process; expired in August with no action whatsoever.
