Affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in Lagos State adhered to the directive from the two labor unions to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday.
The National Executive Council meeting of the labor unions, convened on November 13, 2023, in Abuja, unanimously decided to embark on the strike due to the alleged failure of the Federal Government to address pressing issues affecting workers. These issues include concerns about the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
Both unions had presented demands to the government, which they claimed had been ignored, especially in the aftermath of the recent crisis in Imo that reportedly led to the brutalization of NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero and other union members.
Despite a government warning on November 13, cautioning against the planned strike and citing a restraining order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, the labor unions proceeded with their action. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that the strike would amount to contempt of court.
Meanwhile, Mr. Segun Esan, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, informed reporters that the union actively participated in the strike, resulting in the suspension of train services.
“In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices.
“All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the Congress,” Esan said.
Also, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Mr Oluwole Olusoji, said advice had been sent out to members on compliance.
He said that members had been advised to ensure the safeguard of lives and property from people who might be used to take undue advantage of the situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Olusoji said.
(NAN)