The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to suspend their planned nationwide strike, which was scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the decision came after a crucial meeting held on Monday night between representatives of the Federal Government and the Organised Labour at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, the newly appointed Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, proved to be instrumental in breaking the deadlock and finding common ground on the issue of fuel subsidy removal.
As a result, both the NLC and TUC have agreed to suspend their strike action.
Femi Gbajabiamila addressed State House correspondents and shared the details of the discussions. He read a communique that outlined the agreement reached between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the team established by President Bola Tinubu to address the issues stemming from the subsidy removal.
The key points highlighted in the communique are as follows:
1. Establishment of a Joint Committee: The Federal Government, TUC, and NLC will form a joint committee to review proposals related to wage increases or awards. The committee will also establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
2. Inclusion of Low-Income Earners: The World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme will be reviewed, with a focus on proposing the inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
3. Revival of CNG Conversion Program: The CNG conversion program, previously agreed upon with labour centres in 2021, will be revived. Detailed plans for implementation and timing will be developed.
4. Improvement of the Education Sector: The education sector will be thoroughly reviewed to address issues hindering effective delivery. The joint committee will propose solutions for implementation.
5. Rehabilitation of Refineries: A review will be conducted to establish a framework for completing the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
6. Road Maintenance and Rail Network Expansion: The Federal Government will provide a framework for road maintenance and the expansion of rail networks throughout the country.
7. Assessment of Other Demands: The joint committee will assess all other demands presented by the TUC to the Federal Government.
Based on these discussions, the following agreements were reached:
– Immediate Suspension of Strike Notice: The NLC will suspend the strike notice to allow for further consultations.
– Continued Engagements: The TUC and NLC will maintain ongoing discussions with the Federal Government to ensure the resolution of the above-mentioned matters.
– Implementation Framework Meeting: A meeting between the Labour Centers and the Federal Government will take place on June 19, 2023, to finalise an implementation framework.
Adding weight to this development, the National Industrial Court had earlier on Monday issued a restraining order against the Organised Labour, preventing them from embarking on any form of strike.
The order was made in response to an ex parte application filed before the court, with Justice O.Y. Anuwe presiding over the case.
Justice Anuwe’s ruling restrains the TUC and the NLC from proceeding with their planned nationwide strike on Wednesday, pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice filed on June 5, 2023.
Furthermore, the judge has ordered that the defendants (the TUC and the NLC) be promptly served with the necessary court documents, including the originating processes, the motion on notice, and the court’s order.
Wat abut fuels price still 520 per liter whil not everything being on hold as the strike is on hold so the subcede be also..as for me there are nava bn subcede in nigeria them bn laying.let the old price remains the 120per liter.