Newsbreak: NLC, TUC to begin indefinite strike Tuesday

By Ologeh Joseph

The two leading labour unions in Africa’s biggest economy, the Nigerian Labour Congress,(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress,( TUC) have agreed to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday, October 3.

Labour is demanding for wage increase and implementation of reforms to fight corruption and create more jobs for millions of Nigerians

The country’s unemployment rate is currently in the range of 40 percent while over 90 million, representing almost half of the population are poor amidst rising forms of violence, insecurity and instability across the country.

The leadership of the two trade unions made the declaration on Tuesday at a joint Press Conference held in Abuja.

Previously, the two Unions did not agree on modalities of the strike action until today.

Irohinoodua was informed that the declaration of trade dispute followed series of discussions between the NLC and the TUC.

The two groups control some seven millions workers spread across the country with some 42 affiliate members.

Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented drift in the past months with the Naira crashing into an all time low amidst scorching economic and financial meltdown facing workers and the manufacturing industry.

Why many Nigerians were reluctant in welcoming the new government with mass protests, patience appears to be waning amidst an unprecedented rise in cost of living.

On top of this is the country’s external debt which has hit over N38trillion, yet members of the ruling class literally continue to live on expensive wine, champagne and the best of what money can offer as millions of Nigerians are plunged into misery.

The NLC and TUC have asked local chapters to mobilise for the Tuesday strike.

Civil society groups have also indicated their determination to strengthen the worker’s resolve.

In the past, NLC and TUC have made empty boasts to embark on industrial dispute, which usually ended up in labour backing out at the last minites having raised hope of workers.

In recent months, it appears the unions have found their feat under what appears to be a new leadership at a time most Nigerians workers are becoming disillusioned.

The NLC Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja has confirmed the October nationwide strike.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has appealed to the NLC leadership not to embark on the strike.

The ministry of Labour’s spokesperson, Olajide Oshundu, speaking for the Minister pleaded with labour to give the government more time.

The National president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero had said that “none of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”