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Tag: Strike

  • BREAKING: Workers shut down Assembly in Sokoto, Abia

    BREAKING: Workers shut down Assembly in Sokoto, Abia

    Like in Nasarawa State, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has shut down the House of Assembly in Sokoto and Abia States.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the parliamentary staff are demanding for financial autonomy for the Assembly.

    Parliamentary workers shut down Abia Assembly

    Members of PASAN in Abia on Monday barricaded entrance to the State House of Assembly as they began an indefinite strike.

    The industrial action is over the alleged failure of the state government to implement financial autonomy granted to the State Houses of Assembly.

    The members placed a big banner with union’s logo at the Assembly gate as the task force barred anybody from gaining entrance into the  complex located on the Government Layout at Ogurube, Umuahia.

    Abia PASAN Chairman, Mr Sunday Kalu, told newsmen that the action by the state chapter was in compliance with the directive from the national body.

    He said that it was also as a result of the failure of the state government to domesticate the Executive Order 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020.

    Kalu said that the union had embarked on the strike some years back, but later decided to suspend it after negotiation with the government “and up till now nothing has been done.”

    According to him, the union has decided that we embark on indefinite strike, pending when we get a concrete achievement for our members.

    Kalu said that some state had started partial implementation but opined that due process was not fully followed.

    He said: “In Abia, we have not gotten the administrative autonomy which is paramount.

    “We have Abia State House of Assembly Commission Law that empowers the Assembly to stay on its own administratively.

    “We are calling on the State Government to do the needful by constituting the Assembly commission and then the financial autonomy.”

    PASAN strike: Workers shut down assembly in Sokoto

    Similarly, members of the Sokoto State Chapter of PASAN on Monday joined their counterparts nationwide as they embarked on an indefinite strike, shutting down the State House of Assembly complex.

    Its Chairman, Mr Abubakar Yusuf,  while addressing newsmen in Sokoto explained that the strike was an extension of their ongoing struggle that began in 2020.

    He said, “As you may recall, we took similar action in 2020. Following interventions from various sectors, we reached an agreement promising full financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government.

    “However, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed an executive order to secure the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary.

    “This order faced challenges from state Governors in the Supreme Court.

    “After resolving the legal complexities, the order was reaffirmed and the former president initiated a committee for its full implementation.

    “This progress has stalled following transition of government,” he said.

    Yusuf added that the association had patiently awaited progress on the government promises and gave it a 21-day ultimatum to address their concerns.

    “Regrettably, no action was taken. Consequently, today, we have taken the step of indefinitely locking all State Assemblies, including the National Assembly, until our demands for full implementation are met,” he stated.

    Yusuf emphasised that the association’s demands encompassed the implementation of CONCLESS conditions of service and the payment of parliamentary staff outfit allowances.

    He said that the struggle was not solely for the benefit of the parliamentary staff, adding, “it is driven by a national interest in ensuring the government’s success in the fight against corruption.”

  • BREAKING: Nasarawa Assembly shut down by PASAN

    BREAKING: Nasarawa Assembly shut down by PASAN

    Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, has shut down the state legislature to press home their demand for financial autonomy for the assembly.

    PASAN’s action is in compliance with a nationwide strike ordered by the national body of the association. The workers are demanding for financial autonomy of state legislatures across the country.

    Mr Suleiman Oshafu, the Chairman of the union, stated this while briefing newsmen on Monday in Lafia.

    Oshafu said that the strike is total while urging the state governors to do the needful by implementing financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly.

    “We are here today to embark on strike over financial autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly.

    “As financial autonomy will promote accountability, transparency and good governance in the country,” the chairman said.

    Oshafu recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari signed an Executive Order granting the financial autonomy of the state assemblies in 2020.

    “What we want from the Government is that all state legislature must be granted financial autonomy.

    “This strike is nationwide, is indefinite strike,” he said.

    He urged members of the association to stay at home until further directive from the national leadership of the association.

    “I call on all PASAN members to comply with the strike and be law abiding,” he said.

    Members of the association carried different placards reading:

    “No going back on financial autonomy”; “Financial autonomy is constitutionally guaranteed”; “Give us our financial autonomy now”; “No Autonomy, no legislator and no work”; and “Autonomy the only solution to vibrant legislation”, among others.

  • Strike: FG not undermining agreement reached with Labour – Ministry

    Strike: FG not undermining agreement reached with Labour – Ministry

    The Federal Government says it is not undermining the agreement reached with organised Labour on Oct. 2.

    It would be recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had alleged that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, had undermined the recent  agreement reached with organised labour.

    Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Information in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said this in a statement he signed on Friday in Abuja.

    According to Oshundun, the attention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has been drawn to a press release issued by the NLC) on 18th October, 2023.

    “It alleged that the Minister is moving to undermine the critical Labour-Federal Government Agreement of October 2, 2023.

    “We wish to unequivocally refute the allegation and put it on record that it is unfounded.

    “Let it be reiterated that since assuming office and upon the dispute between the various groups within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) being brought to his attention, “the Honourable Minister has given consistent, adequate and fair attention to the matter with a view to resolving it.

    “Several meetings have been held to resolve the issue with representatives of the disputing groups, and the efforts are still ongoing.

    “Therefore, it is not correct to suggest that the minister is supporting any of the groups in the course of the negotiations,”he said.

    Oshundun said that members of the NURTW, the NLC, and the entire Labour movement should be assured that the minister, as the Chief Conciliator, would continue to work with all parties.

    He added that this is to ensure that there is reconciliation, harmony and industrial peace,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu orders payment of withheld salaries to doctors, ASUU members

    BREAKING: Tinubu orders payment of withheld salaries to doctors, ASUU members

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) be paid their salaries withheld for 4 months when members of the union went on strike.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu gave the order while approving a partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” on members of ASUU.

    “Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was instituted against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),” a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity reads.

    The order follows the eight-month industrial action embarked on by ASUU members, which began on February 14, 2022 and was terminated on October 17, 2022.

    “In view of his determination to mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on ASUU, which will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four (4) months of salary accruals out.”

    The amount is to be paid out of the eight months of salary which was withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.

    The president also directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) from ASUU.

    The DoU is to establish that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last to be granted to ASUU and all other Education Sector Unions.

    Similarly, Tinubu has approved the waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Aug. 1.

    The waiver was in accordance with the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.

    He said that the order was placed on the NARD members following the commencement of their industrial action on July 26.

    Recall  NARD called off the strike after several consultations with the Federal Government on Aug. 12.

    The federal government subsequently directed the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.

    “In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on Resident Doctors.

    “(This) will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.”

    The president granted the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU).

    The president said that the DoU must establish that this exceptional waiver granted by the President would be the last to be granted to the NARD and all other Health Sector Unions.

  • JUST IN: FEC approves agreement FG reached with NLC, TUC to avert October 3 strike

    JUST IN: FEC approves agreement FG reached with NLC, TUC to avert October 3 strike

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the agreement reached between labour unions in the country and the federal government (FG) to avert the October 3 industrial strike action.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports FEC gave the approval on Monday, according to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.

    Recall the Nigeria Labour Union (NLC) and the Trade union Congress (TUC) declared October 3 to begin an indefinite strike over the issue of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.

    However, following series of meetings by representatives of the FG, including Lalong with the labour unions, the proposed industrial action was suspended.

    The decision to suspend the strike followed the agreements reached between the NLC and TUC and government on the provision of palliatives to ease the suffering of Nigerians.

    Speaking with state house correspondents, Lalong said FEC gave approval for the agreement and also approved the 30 days implementation timeline.

    “Presidential approval was given after analysing the agreement, to provide for industrial harmony.

    “Similarly, the 30 days implementation timeline agreed on was also approved by FEC,” the Labour Minister said.

    TNG reports the offers made by the Federal Government to suspend the strike include the waiver of VAT on diesel for next six months.

    The Federal Government also committed to fast-tracking the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy.

    The parties noted Federal Government’e provisional wage increment of N35,000 for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.

    The Federal Government also committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises and the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period, from October to December 2023.

    TNG reports the FG also agreed to constitute a sub-committee to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    Below is the full highlights of the agreement:

    1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

    2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

    3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.

    4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.

    5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.

    6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.

    7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.

    8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

    9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

    10. The Federal Government should urge State Government, through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum, to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.

    11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.

    12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.

    13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.

    14. The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

    15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.

    The agreement was signed by Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Information and National Orientation and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment for the government side.

    The president and Secretary General of NLC and TUC signed on behalf of the unions.

  • N30,000 Minimum Wage: Bayelsa teachers threaten indefinite strike

    N30,000 Minimum Wage: Bayelsa teachers threaten indefinite strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to commence indefinite strike in public primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa over the N30,000 minimum wage and promotion arrears.

    The union took the decision at an executive meeting on Oct. 12, after an earlier three-day warning strike failed to compel the Bayelsa Government to act.

    The teachers had gaven a 14-day ultimatum to the government and local councils to address the plight of teachers across the state or face industrial action.

    The grievances, according to the NUT, include inability of both state and local governments to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and effect promotion of primary school teachers in the state.

    The union said teachers were meted with untold hardships due to the non payment of promotion arrears to the teachers.

    NUT expressed dissatisfaction with government’s continuous negligence of the plight of teachers who played critical role in the state, in spite of engaging them at different fora in futility.

    The union said the attitude of government had brought nothing but humiliation and frustration to primary and secondary school teachers in the state.

    It said the 14-day ultimatum took effect from, Oct. 13 after failure to address the issues within the limit of the ultimatum would force teachers in the state to go on strike.

    The strike notice was ratified by the constituent eight local government branches of NUT in Bayelsa.

    Signatories to the communique after the meeting included  chairmen of LG branches of the union.

    Meanwhile, Dr Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, declined comments when contacted as he did not respond to telephone calls and messages requesting for government’s clarification.

    Schools in Bayelsa had vacated on Aug. 29 due to expected flood and slated to resume on Nov 13.

  • No warning before next strike – TUC

    No warning before next strike – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has said there will be no warning before the next strike, stressing that suspension of the October 3 nationwide strike was a temporary move.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, made this known on Saturday.

    Etim noted suspension of the strike remained conditional upon the promise by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to fulfil the conditions enlisted in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government and the organised labour.

    TUC also dismissed the claim by governors that they would not implement the demands in the MoU between the Federal Government and the organised labour on the grounds that governors had rolled out palliatives for state civil servants and residents before the MoU was signed.

    Speaking on reports that governors might not implement the terms of the agreement, Etim stated, “That is not possible. Anyways, the truth is that we have reached out to our people in the states to meet with them. Letters have also been sent to that effect.”

    On the progress reached so far with the government, the labour leader said, “The 30-day ultimatum we gave to them is still in place. We have given them time and we are sure they are working. What we did was just a suspension.

    “When you suspend a strike, you can kickstart it without further notice. We have done our part and we are waiting for them to play their part.”

  • NASS commends FG, labour unions for averting strike

    NASS commends FG, labour unions for averting strike

    The National Assembly has commended the Federal Government and the leadership of the organised labour for reaching a compromise to avert the planned nationwide strike.

    The President of Senate, Sen Godswil Akpabio said this at plenary on Tuesday.

    “The entirety of the Senate appreciates the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of their understanding of the precarious situation that we are in.

    “We also want to commend the Federal Government for the proactive steps taken to avert the strike action that was earlier proposed by NLC and TUC.

    “Yes, indeed the understanding will help stablish the economy and help us attract foreign direct investment, because no government can actually do well in an era of strife.

    “I commend the union, I also commend the Federal Government team and I commend the Senate Committee on Labour for their efforts and hard work done to bring amicable solution to the matter, ” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour Sen.Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) said the senate leadership via its committee with other stakeholders had met with various groups on the planned strike.

    “I think colleagues need to appreciate the situation, yesterday, the NLC and TUC signed a memorandum of understanding with the government and agreed on 15 items of resolution which led to suspension of the strike for another 30 days .

    “We need to congratulate the two teams for the clear understanding that played out among them,” he said.

  • Strike: NECA commends FG, organised labour on resolution

    Strike: NECA commends FG, organised labour on resolution

    Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the Federal Government and the Organised Labour for the resolution reached to avert the indefinite strike in the country.

    Mr Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA gave the commendation in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The organised labour had threatened to embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on Oct. 3, to press home their demands over  effect of the removal of subsidy that have brought untold hardship to the masses.

    According to Oyerinde, we commend the resolution of the logjam. This vindicated our consistent position that social dialogue remains the most veritable way to resolve any issue.

    “It is important to state that while the unnecessary disruption of economic activities have been averted.

    ” There is need for government to live up to it’s commitment and fulfill the terms of the resolution and labour to also ensure improved productivity to get the wheel of production going.

    “Employers will continue to insist on, and advocate a peaceful industrial environment as a pillar for economic and national reinnasance,”he said.

    He further advised the Federal Government to ensure it lives up to its promises to workers and the citizens at large, to avoid an outbreak of futher industrial action.

    The NECA DG said that effects of strike on private sector businesses were unimaginable.

    He noted that that private sector businesses were going through a lot to stay afloat was not what government should be allowed to happen.

    “Anything that would compromise our ability to continue to pay salaries I think it should be taken into consideration if you compromise the ability of the business to meet its obligations to its creditors.

    ” Imagine a business that has borrowed from the banks in naira or dollars, when we go on strike, payment of interest does not go on strike, or payment of tax to government.

    “Workers will also expect to be paid salaries during the period. Strike is not for us as it would further crippled businesses.

    “It would also compound the businesses’ problems and also compound the realities of job security and salaries payment for the employees,”he said.

    Oyerinde however, commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fix the economy and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and organised businesses.

  • UPDATE: How NLC, TUC agreed with FG to suspend strike for 30 days

    UPDATE: How NLC, TUC agreed with FG to suspend strike for 30 days

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend the industrial action planned for October 3 for 30 days.

    At the end of a five-hour closed-door meeting, the union leaders said that all the agreements have been given a timeline for implementation.

    The agreement was signed by representatives of the government and the leaders of the joint union.

    The highlights of the agreement are outlined below:

    Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

    Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:

    1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

    2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

    3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.

    4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.

    5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.

    6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.

    7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.

    8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

    9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

    10. The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.

    11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.

    12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.

    13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.

    14. The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

    15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.

    The agreement was signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Information and National Orientation and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment for the government side.

    The president and Secretary General of NLC and TUC signed on behalf of the unions.