The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is considering an indefinite nationwide strike in protest of the removal of fuel subsidies and other grievances. This would be the fourth proposed strike since June.
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) highlighted that the economic indicators are not favourable and that the country cannot afford a nationwide strike at this time. They believe that the economy is being negatively affected by the ongoing disputes.
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NLC members protesting on the streets of Lagos.[/caption]
The OPSN also cautioned young talents in the music industry against signing contracts with record labels without carefully considering the terms and conditions. They emphasized the importance of not rushing into deals out of desperation.
In addition to the nationwide strike threat, there are reports of a face-off between the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Lagos State government over a leadership crisis within the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Some civil society groups have accused the NLC of being sponsored by the opposition to cause chaos and destabilize the country. They claim that the NLC has been mobilized with financial support for this purpose,
The Guardian reports.
Ajayi-Kadir said while recognising the right of the labour unions to pursue the welfare of its members, he implored the government to employ its best endeavours to reengage the leadership of the unions and find an amicable ground to avert the imminent disruption in business activities that would attend the protest and nationwide strike.
“One is beginning to wonder if the wellbeing of more than 200 million Nigerians is being factored into their negotiations as we have keenly watched the back and forth consultations between government on one hand and the NLC/TUC on the other,” he said.
Ajayi-Kadir, while appreciating the concerns of members about the imminent strike, urged businesses to be circumspect in their operations, “as we continue to intervene in last-minute attempts to avert the strike. Adequate measures should be taken to protect company assets and contingency plans be made to keep business afloat.
In his submission, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the strike would not serve any positive purpose, rather, would further put pressure on citizens, escalate the cost of doing business and, in the long run further impoverish workers.
[caption id="attachment_11186" align="alignnone" width="1040"]
NLC members protesting on the streets of Lagos.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11187" align="alignnone" width="1040"]
NLC members protesting on the streets of Lagos.[/caption]
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