The Federal Government has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to cancel their planned nationwide indefinite strike scheduled for October 3. The government argues that this strike would violate a standing court injunction.
According to the reports, the issues that prompted the NLC and TUC to call for the strike are already before the National Industrial Court (NIC).
In response to the union's willingness to negotiate, the government withdrew a previously filed contempt proceeding against them.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), sent a letter dated September 26 to Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the head of the legal team for both unions, requesting them to halt the planned strike.
The letter highlights the history of correspondence between the government and the unions, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could undermine court orders.
It mentions that contempt proceedings were initiated against labor leaders following a nationwide protest by the NLC on August 2 but were later halted due to presidential and National Assembly intervention.
The NLC had resolved to shut down the nation indefinitely within 14 working days or 21 days from August 31, 2023, and this was reiterated on September 26, 2023, by the presidents of the NLC and TUC.
The strike's core issues revolve around fuel price hikes, fuel subsidy removal, and related concerns about palliatives and worker welfare, all of which are currently before the National Industrial Court.
The government asserts that this strike would directly violate a pending interim injunctive order from June 5, 2023, restraining both the NLC and TUC from striking until the pending Motion on Notice is resolved. The government emphasizes that court orders must be respected and obeyed.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of Labour and Employment, National Security Adviser, the Director-General, State Security Services (DSS), and Inspector-General of Police were all copied on the letter.
This situation arises from the failure of the Federal Government to address the economic challenges resulting from the sudden removal of fuel subsidies, leading the labor unions to vow to enforce an indefinite nationwide strike on October 3.
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