By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the proposed strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 7 over removal of subsidy on petrol.
This was the outcome of a meeting on Monday night between the labour unions and the representatives of the Federal Government at presidential villa in Abuja.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives and newly appointed Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who disclosed this read a communique stating that the agreement struck between the NLC, TUC and the team set up by President Bola Tinubu to discuss the issues arising from the subsidy removal.
According to him, the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
“All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.
“Consequently, the parties agreed follows:
“The NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations
“The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above
“The Labour Centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”
This came hours after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) stopped the Organised Labour from proceeding with the proposed strike.
The organised labour had threatened to embark on strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, a development that led to increase in pump price of fuel by over 150 percent.
Leaders of the unions had insisted on reversal to old pump price before a negotiation could commence.
