The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has said that the two-day warning strike embarked upon by the union was necessitated by the frustration of the working class over the government’s failure to fulfil its promises.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Ajaero stated this on Monday at a meeting called by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.
The NLC President expressed displeasure over how the government handled the palliative scheme amidst the subsidy removal policy. He said that none of the demands raised by workers, which the government pledged to meet, have been fulfilled despite the two-day warning strike.
Ajaero said that workers were not keen on embarking on strikes but that recent developments in the labour sector, particularly the crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), where the police have taken over the secretariat, left much to be desired.
Before the meeting broke into a closed-door session, Lalong had, in his opening remarks, said that the country was witnessing teething challenges, marked by industrial actions and unrest that have adversely affected the economy.
He said he was optimistic that a constructive dialogue would lead to the resolution of the issues on the ground.
“I fully acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role the NLC plays in championing the rights and welfare of our workers. Your dedication and tireless advocacy have been critical in shaping a fair and inclusive work environment and ensuring the well-being of our workforce. We acknowledge the valid grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.
“We must also recognize the economic realities that confront us. As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation. Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement.
“In the spirit of unity and with utmost commitment to the betterment of our nation, let us seize this opportunity to listen and understand one another. Together, let us explore innovative approaches, reimagining strategies that enhance working conditions and worker benefits while nurturing a robust economy,” Lalong stated.
