NLC, TUC Suspend Looming Strike Action, Reach Agreement with federal government

Luqman Akintunde reports

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and its cohort the Trade Union Congress, TUC have on Monday 5th of June, 2023 suspended their planned nationwide strike action.

It was gathered from the resolution engagement between the twin Labour Unions and the Federal Government of Nigeria as it was signed by the Speaker House of Reps, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Ms. Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Comr. Joseph Ajaeru of NLC and Comr. Engr. Festus Osifo of TUC.

The resolution has some topical discuss to iron out the issues surrounding the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) following the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, 29th of May, 2023 where he stated in his inaugural speech that “Fuel Subsidy is gone”.

According to the resolution, about 6 agreements were reached before the planned strike was suspended for further sitting on June 19, 2023 between the Federal Government and the Labour Unions.

The negotiation reads as follows; “1. The federal Government, the TUC and NLC to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.

2. The Federal Government, the TUC and NLC to review the World Bank Finance Cash Transfer Scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
3. The Federal Government, the TUC and NLC to revive the CNG conversation Program earlier agreed with Labour Centers in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
4. The Labour Centers and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
5. The Labour Centers and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
6. The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
7. All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.”

Consequently, the parties further agreed on the following,
A. The NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations.
B. The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above.
C. The Labour Centers and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.

The suspension as views by many Nigerians said to be helpful in terms of quickening solutions to the current realities as it was stated by the president earlier on Thursday, 1st of June, 2023.