Indefinite strike – NLC Accepts to Meet the FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed its readiness to engage with the Federal Government in discussions to address the potential indefinite industrial action proposed by the Congress.

An undisclosed source revealed that the NLC has received an invitation from the government and is willing to participate in the meeting.

A press release, issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour, stated, “The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, has once again extended an invitation to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for a forthcoming meeting regarding its planned indefinite strike.

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“The Minister, in his directive to the Department of Trade Unions Services and Industrial Relations, scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the NLC for Monday, September 18, 2023. He emphasized the importance of the Unions collaborating with the Government to resolve all outstanding issues, thereby preventing further disruptions to the economy.

“The Minister stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to engaging with organized labor and addressing their concerns through consultations and negotiations, with the goal of ensuring industrial harmony, which is crucial to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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“It is worth noting that the Minister had previously invited both Labor centers to avert the two-day strike that took place on September 5th and 6th. However, only the Trade Union Congress (TUC) attended the meeting.”

Meanwhile, an NLC representative stated, “I can confirm that we have received the Ministry’s letter and will be participating in the meeting. NLC is dedicated to finding resolutions to the issues at hand. We hope that the government approaches these discussions with sincerity and honesty in finding solutions.

“NLC has consistently shown a willingness to engage in negotiations and find solutions to these issues. However, past experiences have taught us to remain vigilant when government’s intentions appear insincere. As soon as we sense any lack of sincerity in the government’s approach, we will exercise caution in our engagement.”

Earlier, Lalong had invited both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a meeting aimed at preventing the previous two-day nationwide warning strike, but only the TUC attended.