Organized Labour Declares Indefinite Strike Starting June 3, 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared an indefinite strike commencing on June 3, 2024.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference held by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo.

The NLC indefinite strike comes in response to what organized labour describes as the Federal Government’s recalcitrant stance on wage negotiations.

According to the labour leaders, the government has refused to increase its N60,000 offer during the resumption of the tripartite committee meeting in Abuja on Friday.

Osifo elaborated on the situation, saying, “As you are aware, we had the last meeting preceding today, which was on Tuesday. In that meeting, they (the government) offered N60,000. They invited us for a meeting today (Friday), and we deliberated on it, thinking they were showing the necessary commitment.”

He continued, “To our surprise, there was no serious representation from either the Federal Government or the state governors who are supposed to be part of the negotiations. So, technically, we felt they had abandoned us because they remained adamant about the N60,000 offer. Not even a kobo was added to what we rightfully rejected.”

The declaration of the strike underscores the growing tension between the government and organized labour over wage issues, which have been a contentious topic in recent months. The NLC and TUC have been pushing for higher wages to address the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures affecting Nigerian workers.

The labour leaders emphasized that the strike would continue indefinitely until their demands are met and urged their members across the country to prepare for the industrial action.

More details on the strike and its potential impact on the nation are expected to emerge in the coming days.