The Organised Labour has issued a stern reminder to the Federal Government, stating that the one-week grace period granted on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, will expire at midnight on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The Labour unions have made it clear that if the Federal Government and the National Assembly do not act on the workers’ demands by the deadline, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will convene to decide on resuming the nationwide strike that was temporarily halted last week.
Chris Onyeka, the Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, reiterated this stance during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show on Monday, as reported by News Point Nigeria.
“The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various facets of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands,” Onyeka stated.
He emphasized that the Labour unions have provided the government with a clear timeframe to address their concerns. “If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next,” Onyeka added.
The NLC and TUC are pressing for significant legislative action to address workers’ demands, including the establishment of a new National Minimum Act. This act would align with the unions’ requirements for fair wages and improved working conditions across the country.
The impending expiration of the grace period has heightened tensions, as workers nationwide await the government’s response. The prospect of resuming the nationwide strike looms large, with potentially significant impacts on various sectors and daily life across Nigeria.
