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Tag: Strike

  • BREAKING: Again FG meets with labour leaders over impending strike

    BREAKING: Again FG meets with labour leaders over impending strike

    The federal government will again meet with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) today.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the labour leaders have arrived in State House, Abuja for the second leg of the meeting with the FG over the impending strike.

    The second leg of the FG meeting with labour leaders follows an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC. It is a feedback meeting on the position of the labour unions.

    Recall the Federal Government met with the labour unions on Independence Day with the aim of averting the industrial action planned by the unions.

    A meeting earlier scheduled at the villa for Friday was cancelled when the unions failed to show up.

    The unions have declared Tuesday to begin an indefinite strike over the issue of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.

     

    Details shortly…

  • NLC, TUC to consider FG offer – Minister

    NLC, TUC to consider FG offer – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, says the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) will consider the offers made by the Federal Government with a view to suspend their planned strike.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Idris on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said this was one of the decisions reached at the Sunday meeting between the labour unions and government, adding that it will allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions reached.

    According to him, the parties noted that, the Federal Government has already announced N35,000 only as provisional wage increment for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.

    “Also, the Federal Government is 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 Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises. VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months,” the minister said.

    Idris further explained that the federal government would commence payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period, from October to December 2023.

    The minister also stated that the meeting observed that the issues in dispute could only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike.

    Idris, who was part of the meeting, revealed that the labour unions argued for higher wage while the federal government team promised to present their requests to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.

    “A sub-committee will 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.

    “NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above,” the minister said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Gov. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara, and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated in the meeting virtually, which was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu.

    Others were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite;  the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Similarly, the labour delegation was led by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero; Deputy President of TUC, Dr Tommy Etim Okon; NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and General Secretary of TUC, Nuhu Toro, among others.

    The NLC and TUC had directed their members and affiliates nationwide to begin mobilisation for an indefinite strike that would commence on October 3.

  • Tinubu approves N35,000 wage award for FG workers

    Tinubu approves N35,000 wage award for FG workers

    President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 as provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

    Malam Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that this followed consultations between the federal government and the leadership of the labour unions at the Presidential Villa.

    At the meeting, the Federal Government also pledged its commitment to fast-track the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation occasioned by subsidy removal on PMS.

    The Federal Government also committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises as well as waivers on VAT on diesel for the next six months.

    It also announced the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October to December.

    Highlights of the decision reached at the meeting include:

    The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

    Labour Unions made case for higher wage award.

    A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items 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 will be addressed urgently.

    NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions.

    Gov. Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar  Bagudu.

    Others are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Okon, Deputy President, TUC,  NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro.

  • FG agrees with labour on wage increment for all workers

    FG agrees with labour on wage increment for all workers

    The Federal Government and labour unions rose from their meeting on Sunday with an agreement that all categories of workers should benefit from the provisional wage increment announced by President Bola Tinubu in his Independence Day nationwide broadcast.

    Recall that President Tinubu had announced a wage increment of N25,000 for lower cadre workers in the country.

    “Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.

    “For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional twenty-five thousand naira per month,” Tinubu had said.

    After a four-hour closed-door meeting, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that the president agreed to the new formula after an observation by the labour unions.

    He said that other issues were agreed on and would be made available after the unions might have met with their various organs by Monday.

    Gbajabiamila said that the government and the unions were all working for the good of the country and its citizens.

    “We hope labour will convene their meeting tomorrow to present these agreements to their members and we pray that they will call off the strike by Tuesday, for the benefit of the workers and the country,” he said.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, said that the union had got a “promissory note” from the government to take back to its members, adding that the final decision would be communicated thereafter.

    “We have looked at all the promissory notes from the government and how to translate it to reality and make it workable; we are going to take it to our organs and review.

    “We are hopeful that our organs will take a look at them and give a fresh mandate on what next to do,’’ he said.

    NLC and TUC had declared an an indefinite nationwide strike for Tuesday over the fuel subsidy removal palliatives which government had yet to implement.

    In response to labour’s demands, the president had, on Sunday, announced a provisional wage increment for workers in the country as well as deployment of compressed natural gas-powered buses to ease cost of transportation.

    The president had also said in the nationwide broadcast that his administration was committed to relieving the hardship being faced by Nigerians, adding that various measures had been taken by all tiers of government to mitigate them.

    Tinubu said: “There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago.

    “I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    ‘’We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilise the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

    ‘’To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas.

    “States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices,” he said.

    The meeting had in attendance from the government side the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.

    Others were Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris as well ministers of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Finance, Wale Edun and that of Trade, Investment and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

  • UPDATE: FG meeting with labour leaders to avert October 3 strike commences

    UPDATE: FG meeting with labour leaders to avert October 3 strike commences

    The meeting between the Federal Government and the labour unions has started at the Presidential Villa, Abuja with the aim of averting the industrial action planned by the unions.

    Recall that a scheduled meeting at the villa on Friday was cancelled when the unions failed to show up.

    The Nigeria Labour Union (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared Tuesday to begin an indefinite strike over the issue of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.

    The causes of industrial strike actions in Nigeria have been linked to when employees perceived that they were not being treated fairly with respect to pay and condition of service.

    According to a blog by Shakespeare Martineau, strikes can be prevented through fair pay, good working conditions and clear Human Resources procedures which ensure that employees feel valued.

    In response to the labour demands, President Bola Tinubu on Sunday announced a wage increment for workers in the country as well as the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas buses to ease cost of transportation.

    Tinubu said: ‘’Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.

    ‘’For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand Naira per month.

    ‘’These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares. New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.

    ‘’We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.’’

    The president said in a broadcast that government was committed to relieving the hardship faced by Nigerians, adding that various measures had been taken by all tiers of government to mitigate them.

    Tinubu added: ‘’There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago.

    “I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    ‘’We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

    ‘’To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.”

    Sunday’s meeting holding at the Chief of Staff’s Conference Room at the villa is expected to come out with resolutions much awaited by Nigerians to stop the impending industrial strike which several chapters of the unions have pledged to join on Tuesday.

    The meeting has in attendance from the government side the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkiruka Onyejeocha.

    Others are Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris as well ministers of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Finance Wale Adun and that of Trade, Investment and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

  • BREAKING: FG holds last minute meeting with labour leaders to avert nationwide shutdown

    BREAKING: FG holds last minute meeting with labour leaders to avert nationwide shutdown

    The Federal Government (FG) is currently meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the planned nationwide industrial strike action.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the labour unions had pegged next tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd October 2023, to commence a total and indefinite industrial strike action.

    The unions fixed the date to embark on the indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

    The labour unions vowed to paralyse day-to-day activities in the country to mount further pressure on the Federal Government to take palpable, affirmative social intervention measures to ameliorate the sufferings of citizens.

    TNG reports the last-minute meeting of the Federal government with leaders of the NLC and the TUC with the view to avert the impending strike is currently being held at the State House, Abuja.

     

    Details to come…

  • Strike: Full mobilisation as ten industrial unions order their workers to hit streets on Tuesday [SEE NOTICES]

    Strike: Full mobilisation as ten industrial unions order their workers to hit streets on Tuesday [SEE NOTICES]

    Ten industrial unions in different sectors of the Nigerian economy have notified their workers to embark on a nationwide industrial action to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s dislocated economic policies that has eradicated the middle class in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) obtained the various notices of electricity, oil, health, colleges of education, radio and tv, others that have been mandated to ensure maximum mobilisation on Tuesday.

    The common denominator in all the notices point only to one direction -maximum mobilisation on Tuesday.
    TNG recalls that as at Friday evening, all negotiations between organised labour with representatives of the Federal Government fell like a pack of cards.

    The Federal Government had in a bid to alleviate the problems caused by removal of fuel subsidy had hurriedly made available palliatives to the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

    This palliative measures did not solve any problem as it was largely seen as an insult on the psyche of the heavily burdened Nigerians.

    SEE BELOW THE VARIOUS NOTICES:

  • JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    President Bola Tinubu has finally returned back into the country after his first participation at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America (USA).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu returned after a 12-day absence on Friday night devoid of the usual fanfare that usually heralds his arrival into the country every time he left.

    Recall Tinubu left Nigeria on 17 September to attend the 78th in New York, in what is his first participation at the UNGA since he was sworn-in last May.

    After delivering the national statement and holding several meetings on the sidelines of the global assembly, he rang the closing bell at NASDAQ.

    Shortly after, the Nigerian President departed New York for Paris, France, last week Thursday. There was no official statement about his mission in the country, but sources said he went for a short vacation.

    Tinubu returns to Nigeria amid threats by labour unions to commence an indefinite strike from October 3, if he fails to address the rising cost of living in his October 1st broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.

  • NLC adamant as NEC takes position on nationwide indefinite strike

    NLC adamant as NEC takes position on nationwide indefinite strike

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) not to abandon dialogue in their quest for better welfare for its members.

    The Council also appealed to the unions to suspend its planned nationwide indefinite strike schedule to start on Oct. 3.

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau stated this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the nation was at a very critical moment in its history, adding that some states took over such labour crisis when they assumed office in May.

    According to him, some of such states just resolved the crisis and will be unfair for the labour to return to another industrial action.

    The Plateau governor said that the proposed industrial action would have immense effect on the economy of both the states and the Federal government.

    He said that the NEC expressed genuine concern about the situation in the country and appealed for calm and patience among Nigerians.

    “The National Economic Council (NEC) deliberated on the planned indefinite strike by the National leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to proceed on an indefinite strike on Oct. 3, 2023.

    “The council noted further the implications of the planned strike on the economy and the nation and thus urge members to continue to engage with the leadership of their respective states.

    “It appeals to them to suspend the action and to continue on the path of dialogue with the Federal Government. This is the appeal of the council.”

    He said that the council appreciated the concerns raised by the NLC to have those issues address, adding that NEC also appealed for time to address the concerns of labour.

    “We also believe that President Bola Tinubu will be addressing the nation on Oct. 1, and some of the concerns of labour will be appropriately addressed in the president’s speech.

    “It is therefore important to note that it’s a federation issue, so whatever happens the labour is represented in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “And NEC is appealing that discussion should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of labour and therefore dialogue is the way to go.”

    No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it has no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for Oct. 3.

    Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands.

    Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action.

    “Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

    “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry.

    “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added.

    He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention.

    Upah added: ”We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.

    “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct.

    “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

  • NLC tagged mischievous over indefinite strike

    NLC tagged mischievous over indefinite strike

    Following the plan by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to commence a nationwide industrial strike action from Tuesday, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has described the move as ‘sabotage’ and ‘mischievous’.

    The CSO under the auspices of the Civil Society and Workers Dialogue Forum, (CSWDF) made this known in a statement issued by Abubakar Ibrahim, Bashir Faisal and Comrade Rafiu Shaibu, who are Convener and co-Conveners of the CSO respectively.

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress fully agreed to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which they also earlier advocated for, adding that “having the subsidy that has been draining government for centuries removed, it should be supported by all stakeholders”, rather than ‘evil kick’ as it were.

    The CSO described the action as ‘sabotage’ and ‘mischievous’, stressing that the union was not sensitive to its own part of dialogue with the Federal Government over the fuel subsidy removal impasse.

    The group, while acknowledging the hardship faced by Nigerians, explained that the Federal Government has made deft moves in rehabilitating the refineries to reduce the cost of PMS and gas importation.

    The statement added that the recent distribution of palliative to the tune of N5 billion to each 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory are part of mitigation measures until things normalize as no government anywhere in the world derives pleasure in the suffering of its people.

    The group wondered what the proposed strike intended to achieve since the wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of  the Committee.

    “The wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of the Committee, hence we are appalled at what the proposed strike intended to achieve.

    “As opposed to the past, the NLC has always been on the negotiation table before any decision was taken by this administration.

    “We recalled that in June this year, the Union was in talks with the FG over fuel subsidy removàl without carrying other stakeholders along which we protested our exclusion.

    “Having agreed with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, only for the workers Union to recant and proposed an indefinite strike is counter-productive and we will mobilise our members across the 36 States and FCT for anti-NLC protest.

    “This statement should serve as official notice to the Director of State Service DSS, IGP and other Security agencies, that we are going to mobilise to streets against NLC on 3rd October, 2023,” the statement reads.

    The group stated that some states have purchased buses for public transportation and have also added funds to the FG’s offer to them, insisting that the proposed strike was inappropriate.

    The statement therefore called on the citizens to resist the temptation of being used by a group of people against the genuine interest of government.