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NLC-TUC

NLC, TUC begin nationwide strike, Tuesday

 

A total shutdown of the economy will occur on Tuesday, October 3 when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commence an indefinite strike.

 

NLC is made up of junior and middle level workers in the civil service and organised private sector, while the TUC is the umbrella union for senior employees of government and the private sector.

 

The two labour centres directed their affiliates to mobilise for the strike from October 3

 

The two labour unions took the decision after a joint National Executive Council between TUC and NLC meeting on Tuesday, September 26, in Abuja.

 

 

NLC President, Joe Ajaero said the government has “substantially failed to meet its demands after the removal of fuel subsidy.”

 

Recall that on September 5th and 6th, the NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike which led to the partial crippling of economic activities in some states.

 

 

It gave the government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands.

 

Ajaero said the grace period given by the two labour centres had expired.

 

He asked Nigerians to stock their homes ahead of the planned nationwide strike.

 

The organised labour is demanding wage awards for public workers and a new minimum wage.

 

The other demands made by the NLC to cushion the effects of the May 29 subsidy removal are tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers, provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses, the release of modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the Federal Government.

 

It also wants a stop to the increase in public school fees, Value Added Tax (VAT), and the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university teachers and workers.