Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have assured workers that the indefinite strike that commenced on Monday has not been suspended but relaxed.
Organized labour disclosed on Wednesday, June 5, while addressing allegations from Nigerian workers that the labour union leaders have been compromised after meeting with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday, June 3.
In a statement, NLC said contrary to reports that the indefinite strike announced on Monday over the new minimum wage was suspended after meeting with Akume, labour relaxed the indefinite strike to give room for the conclusion of negotiation.
Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, had on Monday, said the agreement reached by organized labour and federal government was responsible for the suspension for one week the indefinite strike earlier announced.
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“TUC, NLC suspend strike for one week, in consonance with the agreement reached with the FG and the Tripartite Committee Monday night,” Bayo said.
In a joint communique signed by NLC president, Joe Ajaero and TUC president, Festus Osifo, labour said the report was false. The communique said strike was relaxed and not suspended to give room for the conclusion of negotiation as pleaded for by the federal government.
NLC said labour union leaders remain committed to securing living wages for workers. “Strike action relaxed for one week to allow the conclusion of negotiation,” the statement added.
While President Tinubu, according to agreement signed on Monday between government and labour, is committed to paying workers more than N60,000 proposed by the government’s representatives in the Tripartite Committee on New Minimum Wage, the actual amount for Nigerian workers to expect, is yet to be made known.
