Fresh Strike: NLC, TUC Issue Statement, Hold Crucial Meeting Today After NLC President Was Mercilessly Beaten

There are palpable fears that a fresh strike may begin as labour unions speak tough ahead of their crucial meeting.

Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliated groups, is set to convene a congress today (Monday) to determine the possibility of initiating a strike.

This decision was made during a meeting held at the State Advisory Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC) at the Labour House, American Quarters, Agodi, Ibadan. According to the statement released after the meeting, workers have been instructed to gather at the Labour House on Monday morning for a briefing and update on the ongoing negotiations between the government and the labor unions.

The ongoing negotiations between the government and the labor unions focus on various aspects, including wage awards and the welfare of both workers and pensioners. Additionally, the unions expressed their condemnation of the recent attack on the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.

The statement partly reads, “We, the Oyo State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), stand united and strongly condemn in totality the recent attack on the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigerian Police in Imo State on Wednesday 2nd November 2023 by the hopeless Government of Hope Uzodinma and Police Force.

“We view this egregious incident as an affront to the fundamental rights and liberties of the Nigerian labour force and an alarming manifestation of the tyrannical tendencies displayed by some State Governments towards the labour movement.

“In conclusion, we, the Oyo State NLC and TUC, wish to make it clear that we will not take this attack on the National President of the NLC or any Labour Leader lightly. We stand resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers in Oyo State and throughout Nigeria.”