Hardship: NLC, TUC threaten nationwide action, give FG October 27 deadline

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide action after negotiations with the Federal Government over workers’ welfare, petrol prices and other unresolved demands ended in a deadlock.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, ended without an agreement, prompting organised labour to give the government until Tuesday, October 27, to make meaningful progress on the outstanding issues.

The unions also directed their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilising members ahead of possible nationwide action if the next round of discussions fails to produce concrete commitments from the government.

In a joint statement signed by the NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the labour centres expressed disappointment over what they described as the lack of preparedness by the government delegation for the meeting.

The unions’ latest position raises the prospect of an industrial dispute if the government fails to address their demands within the period given.

The unions said their demands included a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures, fulfilment of the terms of settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and resolution of demands by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) over peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.

The statement said: “Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues. No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved.”

According to the unions, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be adjourned until October 27 to allow the government to make adequate arrangements, including assembling relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.

The labour centres said they remained committed to dialogue but warned that they would not accept indefinite delays in resolving the demands.

The NLC said it would report the outcome of the meeting to its organs, adding that they would determine the next line of action if meaningful progress was not achieved at the next meeting.

“We call on Nigerian workers and the general public to remain calm and resolute. Organised Labour will be attending the next meeting believing that government will deliver on each of the workers’ demands,” the statement said.

The unions added that they would continue to pursue the interests of workers and the wider public through legitimate means.

They also urged their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain alert and begin preparations for possible nationwide action while awaiting the outcome of the next meeting.

The unresolved demands cover issues affecting workers’ earnings and welfare, as well as wider concerns over the cost of living, including petrol prices, minimum wage negotiations, tax relief and outstanding allowances.

The October 27 meeting is expected to provide another opportunity for the government and organised labour to address the outstanding issues.

While the unions have maintained their commitment to dialogue, their mobilisation directive signals the possibility of an escalation if the next round of negotiations fails to produce meaningful progress.

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