Why We Suspended Planned Nationwide Strike — NLC, TUC

The Nigeria Labour Congress , NLC and its Trade Union Congress, TUC have explained why the planned nationwide strike aimed at forcing the Federal Government to reverse the 200 per cent hike in the pump price of petrol was suspended.

In a statement jointly signed by leaders of the organised, both leaders explained the gesture the is to allow negotiations which will commence on June 19.

The Nigerian Labour Congress on Monday night agreed to suspend its planned nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday as part of resolutions reached between Organised Labour and the Federal Government in the Presidential Villa.

The TUC and NLC also agreed to continue the ongoing engagements with the federal government and secure closure on the resolutions reached, some of which include the establishment of a joint Committee to review the proposal of any wage increase and establish a framework and timeliness for implementation.

There is also a plan to review the world Bank financed cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.

They also resolved to revive the CNG conversion programmes earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.

The Labour centres and the Federal government will now meet on the 19th of June to agree. On an implementation framework.

The communiqué read: “Taking into account that the Federal Government has procured a court injunction restraining congress from proceeding with the proposed nationwide strike as the NEC-in-session had ordered to begin, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and recognizing the willingness of government for continuous engagement through dialogue and to offer reasonable palliatives in due course to cushion the effect of its policies, some levels of understanding were reached

“Considering the mood of the socio-polity of the last elections and the need to pursue national stability and, the NEC-in-session also resolved to commend and applaud the diligence of the congress’ leadership in carrying out the assignment given to it by NEC.

‘’It demonstrated to the Federal Government the need to comply with the laws of the land, especially as it concerns obedience to the ruling of courts and their brazen disregard for the 2023 Appropriation Act.

“NEC-in session, therefore, supports and accepts the decision of the leadership of Congress to suspend the proposed strike in compliance with the flawed rulings of the NIC and also allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after June 19, 2023, negotiation round with the Federal Government.