The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have directed its members to commence a nationwide strike from midnight today over the assault on NLC president, Joe Ajaero.
The organised labour directed its affiliates to implement the resolutions of the National Executive Council.
This was made known by the President of TUC, Festus Osifo, while addressing journalists on Monday, November 13, stating that the strike would remain until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”
The strike is to protest the battering of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and others in Owerri, Imo State on November 1, as well of the pending labour issues in Imo State.
Strike action despite court order
The industrial action by organized labour is coming despite an order by the National Industrial Court (NIC) which had restrained them from embarking on strike in the wake of the impasse with the Imo State Government.
The NLC and TUC in a joint statement said,
- “In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight today, 13th November 2023,” the unions said in a joint statement.
- “Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.”
Backstory
The organized labour had on November 7, resolved to declare a nationwide strike by Tuesday, November 14, if their demands were not met.
Recall that suspected agents of the state and security operatives had assaulted the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, alongside other NLC members in the south east for their protest over “non-payment of salaries and pensions for 44 months and violation of other labour rights.
The attack, brutalization and the battering of Ajaero and others have continued to elicit outrage and condemnation across the country and beyond.
Last week, the unions picketed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to press home their demands, leaving travellers stranded.