A nationwide strike looms as the agreement between the Federal Government and Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on the implementation of measures to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal is currently threatened.
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The NLC yesterday accused the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, of deviating from the agreement.
Recall that Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, suspended its planned nationwide strike, following an agreement reached with the government on October 2, 2023, to, among others, pay N35,000 wage award to federal workers and ensure non-interference with the activities of the NURTW.
Efforts to speak with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, yesterday proved abortive as calls put through his mobile phone rang out without response.
However, the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mr Olajide Oshundun, said he had not seen the NLC statement, since the ministry was not copied.
He said: “If I see the statement, I will discuss it with my minister to respond appropriately. As of now, there is nothing I can say until I see the statement.”
But the NLC alleged that the labour minister was trying to foist a new leadership on the NURTW, in violation of both ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the agreement reached between the government and labour.
The 30-day deadline for the agreement to come into fruition to avert a nationwide strike expires in less than two weeks
The NLC in a statement issued by the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, vowed to continue to stand by the democratically elected NURTW leadership and work with them as the legitimate representatives of workers in the transport sector.
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