Organised Labour has criticised the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government of neglecting to set up structures essential to redress the widespread suffering of Nigerians.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja took a swipe at the government for the poor handling of the economic crisis as a result of the extensive hardship and deprivation afflicting citizens across all states of the federation.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC said government’s negligent conduct was as a result of its deliberate disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, which the President gave a solemn commitment to during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023.
Apart from an all-inclusive session during the meeting to review the deteriorating conditions, NLC said NEC deeply analysed the prevailing national sentiment in the country, and raised alarm over the new dimensions and shape of events in the country.
The NLC further said it examined the renewed threats against trade unions and their leaders by various State Governors and organisations and observed that the Federal Government has refused to engage and reach agreement with organised labour on the critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses.
The NLC said there has been a renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by the States and its agents across Nigeria, adding that the Police, under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President, of the federation have invaded and occupied illegally the National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) making it difficult for the union to discharge its responsibilities to its membership across the nation.
The NLC cited the case in Imo state where the government has continued in its efforts at cloning the Congress, with the aim of exploitation of workers’ rights and privileges despite all efforts at reaching amicable resolution.
Other reports have it that Abia State government has continued to interfere in trade union affairs by seeking to impose its own leadership on state councils of NURTW and NULGE, while continuing the pathway of workers’ intimidation and Union bashing in Abia State
Besides,the NLC said certain aviation companies of which Airpeace Airline is the flagship have continued to violate the rights of workers to join unions of their choice in disregard to the provisions of international conventions and laws of Nigeria.
“Marauders disguising as herdsmen have been unleashing terror on farmers and citizens across the nation, members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) are however not involved, but respected citizens and businesses
The NLC decried the conduct of the new Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, whom its accused of continuing to threaten workers and residents of Abuja with the demolition of their houses despite government’s inability to make same available
Consequently, the NLC said NEC-in-Session resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days, or 21 days from last Thursday until steps were taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.
The NEC also resolved to commence a two-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th and 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate the Labour movement’s readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.
The NLC also demanded the State to vacate the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of NURTW.
Other resolutions include to embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within this month of September, 2023 in preparation for a major shutdown of the state to compel the government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.
Besides, the NLC plans to begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of Association and to collectively bargain and organise.
NEC also called on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their hands, but report to the relevant authorities for amicable resolution any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) which is one of the affiliates of the NLC.
It also demanded the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to desist from threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties built from their years of toil, rather should focus more on making houses available to the people.
The NLC said the Minister should not see himself as a Minister of Demolition, saying government should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers as citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances.
