NLC, TUC begin indefinite strike from Oct. 3

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike starting from October 3, 2023.

The strike follows what the labour unions called the “failure” of government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians in the aftermath of the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and the TUC President, Festus Osifo, announced this after their separate emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meetings in Abuja on Tuesday.

Both unions advised Nigerians to stockpile foodstuff as the strike would ground economic activities in the country.

Persecondnews reports that the 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC ended last week, after Ajaero had complained that “non of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”

The union had first observed a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5 and 6, to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu had on June 19, set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.

The committees were given eight weeks to conclude their assignment and hasten the implementation of the framework in cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.

But weeks after the time frame expired, the sub-committees are yet to meet or actualise their mandates.