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Tag: Strike

  • Looming strike: We can’t implement all agreements reached with labour at once — FG declares

    Looming strike: We can’t implement all agreements reached with labour at once — FG declares

    The federal government has declared that some of the agreements it reached with the members of the organised labour during the October 2023 negotiation meeting cannot be implemented at a go.

    The government specifically explained that one of the agreements, which is setting up of conversion centres for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) would take some time before it materialised, stressing that the committee handling it had gone far.

    Recall the leaders of the organised labour and the representatives of government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on October 2, 2023 after a 16-point agreement was reached.

    The agreement was for the government to address the suffering of the masses emanating from fuel subsidy removal and find a lasting solution to the devaluation of the naira, inflation, insecurity among others.

    Expressing its dissatisfaction with the way the government was handling the issue, members of the organised labour declared that it would begin a nationwide strike in the next 14 days starting from February 9, 2024 if those agreements were not implemented.

    But addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, maintained that all the agreements were not implementable at once, calling on labour leaders to give it more time.

    “These agreements, all of them are not going to be done the same day. Some can’t be done in two, three or four months. Like the CNG, it is a process that’s ongoing, and I’ve just told Nigerians what the CNG group has been doing in the last four months.

    “We’ve commenced deliveries on those agreements. We’ve been reaching out to the organised labour because the President is committed to these agreements, he has good faith, that’s why we don’t want anybody to shut down the economy at any time because it will affect everybody.

    “It’s like you want to pull down the whole roof of a house, meanwhile, you’re still inside the roof. We’re not shying away from implementing the agreements we’ve entered with the organised labour,” Onyejeocha told journalists at the briefing.

    Onyejeocha disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, procured up to 11,500 CNG vehicles, including buses and tricycles, which would be rolled out by President Bola Tinubu soon.

    According to her, the ministry shall liaise with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure that the visitation to the refineries for on-the-spot assessment of the refineries is done without further delay.

    She added, “In line with the government ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, provisions have also been made for an initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits as part of the commencement of the auto gas conversion programme.

    “Development of the state-of-the-art CNG conversion centres nationwide is also ongoing with the aim to deliver 1 million converted bi-fuel CNG/PMS vehicles to enable transporters and mass transit operators convert their vehicles that run on PMS to gas (which is forty to fifty percent cheaper than PMS).”

  • Strike: What we want – NLC, TUC

    Strike: What we want – NLC, TUC

    Organised labour on Thursday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to implement a 16-point agreement.

    The ultimatum begins on Feb. 9, according to a statement jointly signed by NLC president, Mr Joe Ajaero, and Mr Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    Organised labour and the Federal Government reached a 16-point agreement on Oct. 2, 2023 to address hardships occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and other issues.

    In their statement on Thursday, the NLC and the TUC expressed concern over the non-implementation of the October 2023 agreement.

    “In spite of the passage of time, majority of these agreements remain unmet or negligibly addressed, indicating a disregard for the principles of good faith, welfare and rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerians.

    “Government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the working people and the citizenry.

    “Recognising the imperative of ensuring and protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians, the NLC and TUC hereby issue an ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour its part of the agreement within 14 days.

    “The ultimatum begins to count from Feb. 9,’’ the labour leaders stated.

    They noted that the agreement focused on addressing the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the hike in the price of petrol and the devaluation of the naira.

    They noted also that the dual policies had dire economic consequences for the masses and for Nigerian workers.

    “Widespread hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension.

    “Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring.

    “The level of panic and anxiety amongst the populace has become nightmarish,’’ they stressed.

    The labour leaders demanded that everything must be done within the two weeks to avoid a situation where further proper appropriate steps would be taken to protect Nigerian workers and the masses.

    “We call on the Federal Government to honour its commitments without delay. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed.

    “The time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for workers and masses all over the federation.

    “Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to compel remedial action by government,’’ they also stated.

  • BREAKING: NLC, TUC issue FG strike notice

    BREAKING: NLC, TUC issue FG strike notice

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a strike notice to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports both NLC and TUC gave the federal government a notice of a nationwide strike, effective in 14 days.

    The strike notice stemmed from the failure of the government to carry out the 16-point agreement reached with organized labour on October 2, 2023.

    The leaders of the NLC and TUC have expressed concern that, despite the diligent efforts of organized labor to promote harmony in the workplace, the government appears unaffected by the widespread suffering and hardship.

    NLC and TUC, in a statement, lamented that “it is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.”

    “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.”

  • Looming strike as NMA vows to sit at home if no salary increase by January 31

    Looming strike as NMA vows to sit at home if no salary increase by January 31

    Looming strike as the Nigerian Medical Association has urged the Federal Government to implement the agreement on salary increases to curb the brain drain crippling the health sector.

    This followed the recent reports that in 2023, the association had given the Federal Government till January 31, 2024, to meet its demands or risk industrial action in the health sector.

    The Chairman, NMA, Lagos State chapter, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, said the association was committed to the agreement during the meeting in Abuja, and failure to honour it could lead to a nationwide strike.

    Olowojebutu, in an interview, stated that this was not the right time for a strike and that the government should act on what had been agreed.

    He said, “I speak as NMA chairman of the Lagos State chapter. This is the directive of NMA national. However, we are all committed to this and the next decision we made during a meeting in Abuja is strike. Hopefully, we pray that does not happen.

  • FCT: NUT directs primary school teachers to resume strike

    FCT: NUT directs primary school teachers to resume strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory Wing, has directed primary school teachers in the territory to resume strike on Jan. 15.

    The union gave the directive in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC), held in Abuja on Friday.

    The communique was signed by State Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Ms Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ibukun Adekeye.

    The primary school teachers had embarked on indefinite strike on Sept. 11, 2023, over non implementation of 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and payment of 25 months minimum wage arrears, among other issues.

    The NUT suspended the strike on Oct. 2, 2023 for six weeks to allow for the resolution of the issues, following the intervention of FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    Wike had set up a six-man committee to look into the issues and recommend solutions.

    The teachers, however, expressed worry that the six weeks had elapsed since Nov. 2023, with nothing positive achieved, even though the committee had submitted its report.

    “We are concerned that series of meetings have taken place, but the primary school teachers remain in a pathetic situation and continue to bear the brunt of the high cost of living.

    “Saddened by the suffering of the teachers and the nonpayment of the aforementioned entitlements, the SWSC has no other option than to direct all primary school teachers in FCT to resume the suspended strike.

    “The union, hereby, directs all FCT primary school teachers to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Monday, Jan. 15, till further notice.

    “Parents are advised to keep their children and wards in primary schools safe at home,” the NUT added.

    The union warned that all secondary school teachers in the FCT would join the strike from Jan. 22, if the demands of the primary school teachers were not met before Jan. 19, 2024.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: The powerful bullion van owner is on strike

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: The powerful bullion van owner is on strike

  • Reps promise to end strikes in universities

    Reps promise to end strikes in universities

    The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has promised to work toward ending recurring strikes in Nigerian universities.

    Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman of the committee said this known at a meeting with the Executive Secretary of National University Commission (NUC) and Vice-Chancellors of federal Universities in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “This kind of meeting is necessary considering the fact that it is a new government, new assembly, new committee and new committee’s leadership,” he said.

    He said the House leadership had created six committees out of the previous two, for quality oversight.

    Fulata said that the committee was working toward ensuring quality, reliable, easy access and rewarding university education.

    “It is unfortunate that university education today is facing serious challenges spanning form strike actions, cultism, insecurity, drugs pedaling and immoral acts,’’ he said.

    He said the challenges required collective efforts to address including the intervention of the committee and contributions of all well-meaning Nigerians.

    In his response, the acting Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Chris Maiyaki said that Nigerian universities were faced with lots of challenges.

    He expressed confidence that with the commitment of National Assembly some of the problems would be addressed.

    Prof Folasade Ogunsola, who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellors, said that Nigerian universities had the potential to emerge the best in Africa.

  • Nasarawa PASAN suspends strike

    Nasarawa PASAN suspends strike

    The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in Nasarawa State has suspended its three-week old strike over financial autonomy of state assemblies across the country.

    The association had on Monday directed its members to resume work on Nov. 21.

    The state Chairman of PASAN, Mr Suleiman Oshafu, confirmed this on Tuesday in Lafia.

    Oshafa said the resumption of work followed a directive from the national headquarters of the PASAN after an agreement was reached with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

    Accordig to him, the PASAN national executive met with the major stakeholders in Abuja on Nov. 17 to resolve the dispute.

    The PASAN chairman revealed that part of the agreement reached during the meeting that led to the suspension of the strike included full implementation of financial autonomy of the state assemblies commencing from January 2024

    “And full implementation of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure,” he added.

    Recall that the PASAN embarked on indefinite strike on Oct. 30 to press home their demand for financial autonomy of state legislatures.

  • Petroleum tanker drivers begin nationwide protest, threaten to exit NUPENG

    Petroleum tanker drivers begin nationwide protest, threaten to exit NUPENG

    Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have threatened to exit its umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), if its President Williams Akporeha and General-Secretary, Afoloabi Olawale, did not resign.

    Mr Gbenga Olawale, an Ex-Officio of the PTD from Ibadan depot, said in a statement on Sunday that their members would begin a nationwide protest to press home their demand.

    The statement directed PTD members across the country to move with leaves in front of their trucks to serve as a warning to NUPENG and police against interference and incessant harrassment of their leaders.

    According to Olawale, Williams is not a member of NUPENG and as such lacks the competence to lead the union.

    He alleged that Williams was drafted into petrol station workers of NUPENG (PSW) to enable him to contest election as NUPENG president which was a departure from the NUPENG constitution.

    “Williams is not a worker or a pump attendant on record as at the time he was verifying for the president position,” the statement said.

    Olawale further alleged that Williams planted his surrogates to collect all revenue of the union which were not used for the development of the union and tanker drivers.

    He called for a fresh election as members of the PTD have decided to stand with Lucky Osusan and Dayyabu Garga to be the new NUPENG President and General-Secretary, respectively.

    Olawale added that they decided to support Osusan and Garga because they have sacrificed so much to ensure that their members were free from all kinds of extortion.

  • Why labour suspended nationwide strike

    Why labour suspended nationwide strike

    The Organised Labour has explained why it suspended the nationwide indefinite strike that commenced on Nov. 14.

    Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), explained the action in a statement he jointly signed by Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress(TUC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The NEC in session had a thorough review of the offers presented by the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

    “We found the offers credible and decided to reconsider our action,” he said.

    It would be recalled that the organised labour earlier met with the NSA and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.

    “After the meeting, we directed all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC to demobilise, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action.

    “We fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023,” he said.

    He added that a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.

    According to Ugboaja, the suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met crucial demands.

    “We expect government to address the distressing abduction and brutalisation of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and others.

    “These incidents occurred in the hands of the Police and Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, in Imo, on the 1st day of November, 2023,” he recalled.

    He noted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.

    He added that some of the perpetrators had been arrested while others would be fished out and prosecuted.

    Ugboaja said that high-powered investigation was currently being carried out and the leadership of labour centres would be briefed continuously as progress is being made.

    He commended all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity that made the strike a success.

    “Once again, we convey our appreciation for your cooperation, resilience and determination in ensuring the success of the indefinite nationwide strike.

    “We encourage you to remain vigilant as we await the fulfiliment of the remaining agreements,” he said.