Contrary to claims by the Ministry of Labour and Employment that the Federal Government has reached an agreement with the organised Labour to suspend the October 3 strike,the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said there is no agreement.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress TUC had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike over the failure of the federal government in providing palliatives commessurate with the challenges of the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun was reportedly quoted as saying that there was an agreement between the organized labour and the government to suspend the proposed strike,a claim he denied
However, the NLC in a statement signed by Benson Upah its Head of Information and Public Affairs ,clarified that there is no agreement reached with the government and there has been no meeting slated for the suspension of the strike.
“The press statement issued by the Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olajide Oshundun on our proposed strike action and illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has been brought to our attention. We note some inconsistencies.
“Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. 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.
“Secondly, while we appreciate the role played by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful/illegal police detention, we take exception to the Ministry describing these 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.”the statement added.
