An indefinite strike looms as the Labour Unions have told Nigerians to brace themselves and not be caught unawares.
THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Tuesday, announced that they would proceed on an indefinite strike come October 3 for the government’s failure to alleviate the plight of the masses occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
In a joint communiqué after both Labour centres held separate emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meetings, leaders of the two bodies urged Nigerians to prepare for a long strike and use the remaining days before the strike to stockpile foodstuff and other necessities.
The communiqué, jointly read by NLC and TUC Presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, at the Labour House, Abuja, directed state councils and affiliates of the two centres to step up mobilization of members and allies for total strike.
According to the communiqué: “NLC and TUC were deeply worried on the failure of the Federal Government to engage in meaninful dialogue with a view to ending or finding a solution to the problems associated with the fuel subsidy removal.
“The government has totally abdicated this responsibility and has shown gross unwillingness to act, abandoning Nigerian people and workers to excruciating poverty and affliction.
“The Federal Government has continued to grandstand and forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organized labour on ways to save Nigerians from the huge hunger and suffering experienced across the nation as a result of the unconscionable hike in the price of petrol (PMS) by the government.
“The government has continued to demonstrate not just an unwillingness to mitigate the massive hardship in the country but also a complete lack of intention to take positive steps and empathy for the multi-dimensionally impoverished citizens of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government has, therefore, not met in any substantial way, the demands of Nigerian workers and peoples as previously canvassed in our mutually agreed roadmap to salvaging the economy and protecting workers and Nigerians from the monumental hardship.
“The grace period given by the two labour centres have expired.
