Subsidy: NLC, TUC suspend planned nationwide strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their strike slated for Wednesday, June 7.

This was made known after a meeting between the representatives of the Federal Government and organised Labour at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday night.

Speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who led the government side, said the meeting ended with a resolution to reconvene on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework on resolutions reached.

Gbajabiamila, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, said the parties agreed on a seven point resolution to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, on Nigerians.

He stated: “The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.

“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.

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“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.”

Gbajabiamila, who is the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, added that the parties also agreed to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.

The Speaker noted: “The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.

“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.

“All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.

“Consequently, the parties agreed follows:

“The NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations

“The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above.

“The Labour Centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”

The Federal Government had earlier obtained a court order restraining the Labour from embarking on a nationwide industrial action on Wednesday.

The Star