The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced an approaching nationwide strike, and the Senate has urgently pleaded with the labour organisation to reconsider its course of action.
The petition from the Senate is a result of its significant concern for the strike’s possibly severe effects on ordinary Nigerians and its warning that the country would be forced into a situation of great suffering.
The Senate addressed the situation on Monday, saying that while it respects the NLC’s right to demonstrate, it is important to consider the potential consequences that could have a significant impact on individuals’ daily lives and livelihoods.
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With the Nigerian economy still reeling from the effects of the global pandemic and the ongoing recovery efforts, a widespread labour strike could further strain the economy, leading to inflation, scarcity of goods and services, and significant inconvenience to the populace.
The Senate also emphasized the legislature’s commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with the NLC to address its grievances. By focusing on negotiation and communication, it is hoped that a compromise can be reached that safeguards the rights and interests of the workers, while also ensuring the smooth functioning of the nation’s economy.
The Upper Chamber further called upon other relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government and private sector representatives, to join in the dialogue with the NLC. Such a broad-based discussion, it is hoped, would lead to a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution to the issues at hand.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the President Bola Tinubu administration to reverse “all anti-poor” people policies including the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol.
In a communique at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the labour union threatened to embark on a nationwide protest from Wednesday, August 2, 2023 should the Federal Government fail to do the needful.
The communique was co-signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the union’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
The NLC said the Federal Government has shown enormous disdain and contempt for the Nigerian people and have declared a war of attrition on Nigerian workers and masses.
