Why NLC, TUC May Suspend Indefinite Strike After Meeting With Tinubu

The organized labour may suspend its proposed indefinite strike scheduled to commence on October 3.

This followed a meeting on Sunday between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC with the FG.

The Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and the leadership of the organized Labor led by the NLC President Mr Joe Ajaero were able to reach some agreements during the meeting.

According to Gbajabiamila, the FG has agreed to come up with measures that would address the dispute arising from the removal of subsidy.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the NLC president promised to meet with members of the union to consider the offers by the FG with a view to suspending the planned strike.

A statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris said the government agreed to pay N25,000 as provisional wage increment for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.

It also expressed commitment to fast-tracking the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy.

“The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises.

“VAT on diesel will be waived for the next 6 months. FG will commence payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October-December 2023”.

According to the statement, the FG and the organized labour resolved that “the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike”.

“Labour Unions argued for higher wage award and the Federal Government Team promised to present Labour’s request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.

“A sub-committee to be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

“The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State needs to be addressed urgently and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who participated virtually, pledged to resolve the matter”, the statement added.