NLC to Hold 2-Day Nationwide Warning Strike Begining Tuesday

* Gives FG 21-Day ultimatum to resolve dispute over fuel subsidy removal 

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shutd own the economy starting with a two-day warning strike next week.

The warning strike, which will take place on Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday September 6, is expected to culminate in a total strike if after 21 days government failed to resolve the dispute over palliatives to cushion the impact of fuel price hike.

The decision was reached after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress on Thursday.

Addressing journalists Friday on the resolutions by NEC, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero said: “NEC in session of NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country.

“To commence a two-day warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5th and 6th September 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacates the illegally occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.”

He said the NLC also resolved to embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State in September. 

Similarly, Ajaero condemned the action of the Abia State government, alleging that the state is intimidating the workers and also trying to forcefully control the state branch of the NURTW.

In addition, Ajaero said that NLC has taken notice of the series of anti labour practices being orchestrated by the management of the Air Peace Airlines.

He said that the labour movement has resolved that it may be compelled to shut down the operations of the airline if the organisation does not desist from its action.

The NLC further raised the alarm over what it described as the renewed onslaught by the government and its agents against labour unions.

Ajaero explained that the proposed strike was necessitated as a result of the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard to engage the relevant stakeholders through the channel of social dialogue.

He said the Federal Government has refused to engage and reach an agreement with the organized labour on critical issues on the consequences of the unfortunate hike in prices of petroleum which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and the masses.

He said: “There is a renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by the states and its agents across Nigeria. The police under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have invaded and occupied illegally the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers headquarters seeking to install its own executive.”