Hardship in the land; NLC gives 14-day ultimatum, sets for 2-day warning strike, 5 & 6 September

*** to shutdown Airpeace Airline

By allcitynews.ng

The leadership of Organised Labour, Nigeria Labour Congress {NLC}, has issued 14-ultimatum to Federal Government and some state governors to address the hardship confronting the general masses.

Just as it announced the readiness to embark on 2-day warning strike, starting from 5 and 6 September, 2023 which could lead to full blown one after 14-day ultimatum if and when Governments failed to meet the needs of the masses.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero cited the failure of FG to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country as reason for the planned two-day warning strike which could lead to full-blown protest after the 14-day ultimatum.

Likewise in a statement signed by Joe Ajaero and the General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC said: “In an all-inclusive session, the National Executive Council (NEC) deeply analyzed the prevailing national sentiment, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation.
“The council scrutinized the Federal Government’s failure to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in our nation.”

Furthermore, it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it had solemnly declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.

The council further examined the renewed threats against trade unions and their leaders by various Governors and organisations and was alarmed on the new dimensions and shape these sordid events have taken.

Consequently, the NEC-in-session observed that whereas: The Federal Government has refused to engage and reach agreement with Organised labour on the critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses. There is a renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by the State and its agents across Nigeria.

Still expressing anger over the state of the union and nation, the duo said “Police under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President of the federation have invaded and occupied illegally the National Headquarters of the NURTW making it difficult for the Union to discharge its responsibilities to its membership across the nation.”

In the same vein, Ajaero and Ugboaja expressed displeasure at the ongoing happenings in Abia and Imo States , saying “the Imo state Government has continued in its efforts at cloning the Congress in the State in other to continue its exploitation workers’ rights and privileges despite all efforts at reaching amicable resolution. The Abia State Government has continued to interfere in trade union affairs and seeking to impose its own leadership on state councils of NURTW and NULGE and has continued the inglorious path of workers intimidation and Union bashing in Abia State.”

Similarly NLC helmsman pointed out that “Certain Aviation companies of which Airpeace Airline is the flagship have continued to violate the rights of workers to join unions of their choice in disregard to the provisions of international conventions and laws of Nigeria.”

Moreover they stated that since “Nyesom Wike, the new Minister of the FCT has continued to unfortunately threaten workers and residents of Abuja with the demolition of their houses despite Government’s inability to make same available, consequently, NEC-in-Session resolved as follows:

“To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today Until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.

“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“To embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within this month of September, 2023 in preparation for a major shutdown of the state to compel the state government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.”

Speaking further the duo said: “To begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of Association and to collectively bargain and Organise.”

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