NLC and TUC Halt Strike Action.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to suspend their strike for one week, which was initially launched due to disagreements over a new minimum wage and increased electricity tariffs.
TUC President Festus Osifo confirmed this suspension in Abuja on Tuesday after a joint extraordinary national executive council meeting of the unions.
“A joint NEC meeting of TUC/NLC has approved the suspension of the industrial action for one week with immediate effect,” Osifo stated to Channels Television.
READ: NLC May Consider N100,000 as New Minimum Wage
A formal communique will be issued later, he added.
The unions had started their strike on Monday to protest against the hike in electricity tariffs and the lack of agreement on a new minimum wage. This action disrupted critical sectors, causing schools, businesses, hospitals, and airports to shut down, and even led to a nationwide power outage.
The unions commenced the strike following the expiration of the May 31 deadline for reaching a new minimum wage agreement. During negotiations, the unions rejected three government offers, including the latest one of ₦60,000, and demanded ₦494,000 instead.
In an effort to end the strike, an extensive meeting was held between the Federal Government and labour leaders, lasting late into the night. Present at this meeting were key figures such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, the Minister of Labour and Employment (State), the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, TUC’s Festus Osifo, and NLC President Joe Ajaero.
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Although the meeting did not immediately resolve all issues, it was agreed that the government would offer a wage above ₦60,000 and that regular meetings between the parties would continue. Additionally, it was resolved that no worker would face retaliation for participating in the strike.
Communique Highlights:
Communique of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, NLC’s National Headquarters, Abuja
The NEC of NLC and TUC convened to review the Federal Government’s latest offer regarding a higher national minimum wage and other demands, such as reversing the electricity tariff hike and ending the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands.
Key issues discussed included:
- The Federal Government’s commitment to a higher national minimum wage.
- Demands for reversing the electricity tariff hike to N66/kWh.
- Ending the discriminatory band classification of electricity consumers.
- Reasons for withdrawing from the Tripartite Committee for the National Minimum Wage negotiation.
- The memorandum of understanding reached on June 3, 2024.
Resolutions:
- The strike is suspended for one week to allow continued negotiations.
- NLC and TUC leadership will maintain open communication with the government.
- All unions and state councils are directed to resume work immediately.
The NEC thanked Nigerian workers and the public for their support and pledged to continue advocating for improved living and working conditions.
Signed:
- Comrade Joe Ajaero, President NLC
- Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President TUC
NLC and TUC Halt Strike Action Temporarily Following Government Discussions.
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