Strike: FG, NLC agree to continue deliberations ― Minister

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed to continue talks over post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers before the 21-day ultimatum issued by the union.

The Federal Government and the NLC also pledged to find solutions to key demands presented to the government by organised labour before the deadline.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, said these while addressing newsmen at the end of a closed-door meeting with the NLC in Abuja on Monday, September 18, 2023.

The meeting was called by the minister to avert the union’s planned strike and other issues.

It would be recalled that the NLC had threatened to embark on strike from September 21 over hardship on the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking on Monday, Lalong said: “We had a fruitful discussion on many of the items that the NLC had been tabled previously before the Federal Government.

“Many of the items presented by Labour were still under consideration before the final agreement.”

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The minister, who reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of workers raised by the NLC, stated that the government acknowledged the valid grievances that had fuelled the recent crisis.

He also urged the NLC to consider the economic reality of the nation, as they take actions to ensure the wellbeing of workers.

“As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation,” Lalong added.

He, therefore, called on organised labour to work with the government to explore strategies that would enhance working conditions and benefits of workers while also nurturing a robust economy.

On his part, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said both parties have agreed to continue to deliberate to arrive at a meaningful agreement before the ultimatum ends.

Ajaero said: “We equally discussed frankly the issue bordering the coup floated and executed by the Nigeria Police against the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“That has led to the detention of their democratically elected national officers and both parties agreed to show concern towards the resolution of the matter.

“On the other issue, you can see that there is no agreement or implementation on any. There is no CNG anywhere.

“Refineries are not working. No agreement on wage award. Those are the issues we believe that something will happen before the ultimatum expires. It is possible that something will happen.

“We had a convivial deliberation with the minister and we hope that even if it is remaining one day we will get to the root of all these problems.”

The Star