NLC denies pact with FG to suspend planned strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied reaching an agreement with the Federal Government to suspend the proposed indefinite strike scheduled to start on October 3.
This denial comes after Mr. Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, was quoted in some sections of the media as stating that there was an agreement between the organized labour and the government to suspend the proposed strike.
In a statement issued by the NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the organization said that there was no agreement and that the government has not invited the union nor given any date to meet with them over the proposed strike.
The NLC also stated that this matter is beyond the Ministry and that they do not intend to demean or minimize the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment’s office.
READ ALSO: NLC, TUC declare indefinite strike
The NLC has demanded that the government provide palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on petrol before they can consider suspending the planned strike.
The statement reads: “The press statement issued by the Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olajide Oshundun on our proposed strike action and illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has been brought to our attention. We note some inconsistencies.
“Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. 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 the 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.
“Secondly, while we appreciate the role played by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful/illegal police detention, we take exception to the Ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.
“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.”
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