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Tag: NLC

  • BREAKING: NLC declares nationwide strike, says FG failed to meet demands

    BREAKING: NLC declares nationwide strike, says FG failed to meet demands

    Following the government’s refusal to accede to the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the NLC has announced that it will go on a Nationwide indefinite strike.

    The strike was officially announced on Friday by Benson Upah, the NLC’s Director of Information and Public Affairs.

    The union, which had started a two-day strike, stated that the Federal Government’s failure to accept the unions’ demands during the 14-day deadline that had passed today was the reason for the decision.

    Upah said, “The FG has put nothing to the table, There is no agreement from all the resolutions that are mutually signed. The government is not prepared.

    “The National Executive Council (NEC) communique is emphatic about when the ultimatum will end, but not precise about when the strike will commence. It could start a few minutes, one hour, three days from when the ultimatum ends.

    “This is for us to mobilize our actions, and that is the window the NEC communique gave us.

    “This is the first government to remove fuel subsidy and is very confused on actions to take.”

    He added that it will be challenging to disobey this time around, unlike the two-day warning strike where compliance was not carefully observed.

    When questioned about the measures that would be taken to guarantee strict compliance, Upah responded, “Do you know of any good general who revealed his plans in the public before he strikes? We are completely prepared to attack.

    The union also urged the youths to participate, repeating that the country belongs to them and that they should take it back by standing up.

  • NLC declares indefinite strike nationwide, says FG failed to meet demands

    NLC declares indefinite strike nationwide, says FG failed to meet demands

    Following  the  refusal of Federal Government to accede to the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the congress has announced that it will go on a Nationwide indefinite strike.

    The strike was officially announced on Friday by Benson Upah, the NLC’s Director of Information and Public Affairs.

    The union, which had started a two-day strike, stated that the Federal Government’s failure to accept the unions’ demands during the 14-day deadline that had passed today was the reason for the decision.

    Upah stated in a statement to the Whistler that none of their demands had been satisfied and that the strike “can begin at any time now.”

    Upah said, “The FG has put nothing to the table, There is no agreement from all the resolutions that are mutually signed. The government is not prepared.

    “The National Executive Council (NEC) communique is emphatic about when the ultimatum will end, but not precise about when the strike will commence. It could start a few minutes, one hour, three days from when the ultimatum ends.

    “This is for us to mobilize our actions, and that is the window the NEC communique gave us.

    “This is the first government to remove fuel subsidy and is very confused on actions to take.”

    He added that it will be challenging to disobey this time around, unlike the two-day warning strike where compliance was not carefully observed.

    When questioned about the measures that would be taken to guarantee strict compliance, Upah responded, “Do you know of any good general who revealed his plans in the public before he strikes? We are completely prepared to attack.

    The union also urged the youths to participate, repeating that the country belongs to them and that they should take it back by standing up.

     

  • Police release detained NURTW leaders – NLC

    Police release detained NURTW leaders – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday, confirmed the release of the four leaders of the Nigeria Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the Nigeria Police.

    NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, who confirmed the release in a telephone interview in Abuja, said that the officials were released on Thursday night after staying for more than a month in custody.

    The released officials were the National President, Tajudeen Baruwa, General Secretary, Anthony Chukudi, Olayi Odion, National Trustee and Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi.

    Recall that the National Executive Council (NEC) had during its meeting on Aug. 31 condemned the Police’s action and called for the release of the NURTW leadership.

    This was part of NLC’s demand during the two-day nationwide warning strike held on Sept.5 and 6th.

  • What we are doing to avert nationwide strike by NLC – Lalong

    What we are doing to avert nationwide strike by NLC – Lalong

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong has expressed hope that the ongoing discussion between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would yield a positive outcome.

    Lalong stated this in an interview with  State House Correspondents shortly after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the welfare and wellbeing of the nation’s workers.

    ”We are here in the Office of the Vice President, as part of our continuation on dialogue with the Nigeria Labour Congress on so many issues that we discussed and the follow up.

    ”Mr President is not around but the Vice President is in the country. So, many of the issues, we will also continue with the Vice President so that there will be smooth, harmonious working relationship with the labour,° he said

    On the planned indefinite strike, Lalong said the federal government is deliberating very well with the NLC.

    ”As for me, I don’t think there is any problem, because  we are moving fine with the NLC and you know the posture of the president is towards the improved welfare for the labour in Nigeria.

    ”We have no doubt that this will be resolved amicably and that is why, at many of the meetings we had with labour, we are not ending up boxing ourselves, rather, we are smiling out with the hope that the best is going to come out

    ”We have been having friendly engagements with them. We do not have any fear about some of the things they put up. Also, the suggestions and the packages are being looked into by the federal government,” he said.

    Recall that the federal government and the NLC agreed to continue talks over post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers before the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NLC will expire.

    Both also agreed to find solutions to key demands tabled before the government by organised labour before the deadline.

    Lalong had disclosed the agreements while addressing newsmen at the end of a closed door meeting with the NLC on Monday in Abuja.

    The meeting was called by the minister to avert the organised labour’s planned strike and other issues.

    Recall that  NLC threatened to embark on strike from Sept. 21, over untold hardship on the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Strike: What we discussed with NLC – Labour Minister

    Strike: What we discussed with NLC – Labour Minister

    The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed to continue talks over post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers before the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NLC.

    Both also pledged to find solutions to key demands tabled before the government by organised labour before the deadline.

    Mr Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment said this while addressing newsmen at the end of a closed door meeting with the NLC on Monday in Abuja.

    The meeting was called by the minister to avert the organised labour’s planned strike and other issues.

    It would be recalled that the NLC had threatened to embark on strike from Sept. 21, over untold hardship on the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

    According to him, we had a fruitful discussions on many of the items, that the NLC had been tabled previously before the Federal Government.

    “Many of the items presented by Labour were still under consideration before the final agreement,” he said.

    The minister, however, said that the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of workers as raised by the NLC.

    He noted that the government acknowledge the valid grievances that had fuelled the recent crisis , and were committed to addressing the issues in just equitable manner.

    He also urged the NLC to also consider the economic reality of the nation, as they take actions in ensuring the wellbeing of workers.

    “As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation,” he said.

    He called on organised labour to work with government to explore strategies that would enhance working conditions and benefits of workers while also nurturing a robust economy.

    “Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue.

    “This will enable us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement,” Lalong said.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC Pesident said that both parties have agreed to continue to deliberate to arrive at a meaningful agreement before the ultimatum ends.

    According to Ajaero, we equally discussed frankly the issue bordering the coup floated and executed by the Nigeria Police against the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

    “That has led to the detention of their democratically elected national officers and both parties agreed to show concern towards the resolution of the matter.

    “On the other issue you can see that there is no agreement or implementation on any. There is no CNG anywhere.

    “Refineries are not working. No agreement on wage award. Those are the issues we believe that something will happen before the ultimatum expires. It is possible that something will happen.

    “We had a convivial deliberation with the minister and we hope that even if it is remaining one day we will get to the root of all these problems,” he said.

    He added that, whenever we are invited we will be there. Both parties will work towards the realisation of these objectives before the last minute of the ultimatum.

  • FG not making effort to address issues raised – NLC

    FG not making effort to address issues raised – NLC

    The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero has spoken out over the government’s refusal to budge on several issues.

    Ajaero who featured on  Television’s Politics Today shortly after  Monday’s deadlocked meeting with government officials noted that Federal government is yet to make concrete decisions concerning its demands.

    Among its demands are to address the consequences of petrol price hikes, review the minimum wage, provide a workable roadmap to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative, fix the country’s refineries, and pay lecturers’ salary arrears.

    “They have not made any efforts on any issue,” Ajaero asserted.

    “Even the issue as simple as cash transfer or bringing buses on the road, nothing has happened to them. So, it’s a lack of willingness and we can’t muddle up all these issues.

    “Then you call a minimum wage as wage award. If anybody is looking at the issue of wage award as minimum wage, then there’s confusion within that class of people.”

    Citing a 2021 agreement on CNG vehicles reached with the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, the labour leader argued it was clear that a million vehicles could be converted within three months.

    The NLC president decried the Federal Government’s 2024 projection to deploy CNG buses for a more affordable mass transit system.

    “If anybody is telling you that until next year, nothing could be done, I’m telling you that the person is not telling us the truth,” he said.

    “What is so peculiar about next year when these processes will start? Is it that there are no CNG vehicles that can onto the road, or we can’t have some stations, even with IPMAN saying that their filling stations are available?”

  • Strike: How FG’s meeting with NLC ended

    Strike: How FG’s meeting with NLC ended

    The meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avert an imminent strike action ended without any concrete resolution on Monday.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha met with the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and other leaders in Abuja in an effort to stop organised labour from embarking on another industrial action.

    The impasse followed Lalong’s invitation to the NLC for a meeting in light of the union’s planned nationwide strike owing to the removal of fuel subsidies and the hardship in the country.

    Earlier, the minister invited the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for talks to avert the two-day strike held between September 5 and 6.

    However, “only the TUC showed up for the meeting,” the ministry added.

    Addressing Labour’s demands during Monday’s meeting, Lalong promised to partner with organised labour to address the demands of the labour unions in a just and balanced way.

    He appealed to the labour leaders to be realistic and frank in the discussions.

    The minister also expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to a resolution that is of national interest.

    In his response, NLC President Joe Ajaero said his team was in the meeting with mixed feelings, to find out whether “something will happen or not,” as many similar meetings in the past had failed to yield a positive response.

    He further noted that the past strikes that the minister referred to were a result of the frustration Nigerian workers faced due to the effects of the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies.

    According to him, not one of the agreements with the Federal Government was addressed despite a series of meetings that were held.

    Ajaero also vehemently condemned the invasion of the office of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), with some of its leaders arrested and detained.

  • Proposed indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC

    Proposed indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC

    The Federal Government has again invited the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for another meeting over its planned indefinite strike.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Recall Lalong had on September 4 invited NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a meeting to avert the earlier two-day nationwide warning strike.

    Only the TUC showed up for the meeting.

    Lalong said that he had directed the Department of Trade Unions Services and Industrial Relations to convene the meeting with the leadership of the NLC  on Monday.

    He said it was important for the unions to sit with government to resolve all pending matters to avert further disruption to the economy.

    “The administration of President Bola Tinubu will always engage the organised labour and respond to its concerns after due consultation and negotiations.

    “This is in order to guarantee industrial harmony which is critical to the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Lalong said.

    Also, the NLC National Executive Council had on Sept. 1, in a communique threatened to embark on an indefinite strike within 21 days of the issueance of the communique.

    The NLC demanded that the minimum wage of workers be increased to N200,000 among other demands.

  • Reps speaks on receiving N100m palliatives each from govt

    Reps speaks on receiving N100m palliatives each from govt

    The House of Representatives has denied claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), that lawmakers had recieved the sum of N100 million from the Federal Government as palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The NLC had, in a statement on Wednesday by its National Assistant Secretary, Christopher Onyeka, alleged that members of the National Assembly were given the amount by the government.

    The labour union’s allegation which was part of its notice of an indefinite strike, said the FG was wrong to share a bag of rice to a dozen citizens while giving N100m palliative to each member of the National Assembly.

    But while responding to the allegation, House Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, described it as not only baseless but devoid of factual accuracy.

    A statement issued by Rotimi on Wednesday evening, noted that the NLC lied in the claims as the allegations were “malicious, irresponsible, and in bad faith”.

    “The House of Representatives notes with concern news reports across multiple newspapers, electronic, and online media, of a statement credited to the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Christopher Onyeka,” the statement reads.

    “First, we state categorically that Mr Onyeka lied in his claim that National Assembly members were given N100m as palliatives.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, at no time did members of the House of Representatives receive any money from the executive arm as palliatives. We, therefore, consider this statement as malicious, irresponsible, and in bad faith.

    “We consider it irresponsible and most unfortunate that Mr Onyeka would misrepresent facts in a bid to lend credence to otherwise valid demands of the NLC while seeking to denigrate the National Assembly and inciting the public against the institution.

    “Accordingly, the House of Representatives demands an immediate retraction of this lie and a public apology from the Nigeria Labour Congress.

    “We wish to remind the NLC and indeed all Nigerians that in less than 100 days in the tenure of the 10th Assembly, we have demonstrated our commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and all Nigerians.”

     

  • House of Reps dismisses NLC’s allegations of N100m palliative for lawmakers

    House of Reps dismisses NLC’s allegations of N100m palliative for lawmakers

    The House of Representatives has dismissed a statement credited to the National Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Christopher Onyeka that each member collected N100 million as palliative.

    Rep. Akin Rotimi, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Onyeka had claimed that the executive arm gave N100m to National Assembly (NASS) members as palliatives.

    Rotimi said the claim was baseless and devoid of any factual accuracy, adding that transparency and truth in public discourse were necessary for a functioning democracy.

    He expressed doubt if Onyeka was conveying the official position of the NLC on the claim, adding that it was nonetheless important to correct such misinformation.

    “We state categorically that Onyeka lied in his claim that National Assembly members were given N100m as palliatives.

    He said at no time did members received any money from the executive arm as palliatives, adding that the statement should be considered as malicious, irresponsible, and in bad faith.

    He said it was most unfortunate Onyeka would misrepresent facts in a bid to lend credence to otherwise valid demands of the NLC, while seeking to denigrate NASS, and incite the public against the institution.

    According to him, the House of Reps demands an immediate retraction of this lie and a public apology from the NLC.

    “The NLC as a critical stakeholder in the development of Nigeria has a voice and it risks delegitimising that voice if it is found to include fables in its legitimate agitations.

    “We wish to remind the NLC and indeed all Nigerians that in less than 100 days in the tenure of the 10th Assembly, we have demonstrated our commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and all Nigerians.

    “In addition to other measures, the House of Reps speedily carried out requisite legislative action on the executive arm of government’s request for approval of funds for palliatives for Nigerians, ” he said.

    He said the House had consistently advocated for the executive to expedite the palliative measures to reach vulnerable Nigerians effectively and efficiently.

    He said the House had also added its voices to the call for an immediate review of the minimum wage, while urging NLC to see NASS as partners rather than adversaries.

    He said the House remained committed to advancing the well-being of Nigerians, while empathising with them on account of the pains being experienced due to the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.