“This Matter is Beyond the Ministry”- Labour Speaks Over Unmet Demands
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday disclosed that the issues on the ground were beyond what the Ministry of Labour and Employment could handle, taking an exemption to downgrade Minister Lalong’s office as it continues to push for the proposed strike on Tuesday.
Recall that The Pendulum Media had reported how both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) directed all its affiliates and members to shut down the economy next week Tuesday, October 3, 2023, over the failure of the federal government’s to give attention to all its demands.
The organised labour also vowed to mobilise all its affiliates and members across the country to ensure full compliance to the declaration of the proposed with a view to pressing home its demands until they are met.
Speaking through the Head of Information and Public Affairs of NLC, Benson Upah, on Thursday, the Congress, noted that there is yet to be an agreement to suspend the proposed strike between Labour and the Federal government.
“Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action. Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.
“While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” Upah said.
He said while they appreciate the role played by Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from what was described as “unlawful or illegal” police detention, he noted that they take exception to the Ministry describing the executives as factional leaders.
“They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. They are advised to retrace their steps.
“If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.” Upah added.
Meanwhile, the United Action Front of Civil Society, the Organised Platform of Civil Society Groups, and activists on matters of Governance and Democracy has endorsed the declaration, noting that they would do everything to support the mobilisation of organised labour.
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