The Parliamentary Staff Union of Nigeria (PASAN) on Monday shut down the National Assembly in compliance with the indefinite strike action declared by Organised Labour to press home demand for living wage for Nigerian workers.
The Parliamentary Staff Union of Nigeria (PASAN) on Monday shut down the National Assembly in compliance with the indefinite strike action declared by Organised Labour to press home demand for living wage for Nigerian workers.
The two gates of the Assembly complex were shut by the union with workers and other visitors unable to gain access.
The Nation gathered that electricity and water supply to the two buildings housing the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as other facilities in the complex have been shut down by the union.
Committee activities scheduled for Monday such as revenue monitoring hearing by the House Committee on Finance was cancelled as a result of the strike.
Some auxiliary workers at the complex who reported for duty could not gain access, while union officials were seen ensuring compliance with the strike action.
At the phase one of the Federal Secretariat Housing the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Communication, Niger Delta among others, some union leaders were seen going in and out to ensure that no staff was in the office working.
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the aegis of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) on Monday morning shut the gates of the FCTA Secretariat on No. 1 Kapital Road, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The premises house the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and his Agriculture and Food Security counterpart, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
As early as 8am, the workers who were obeying the strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had locked the gates and also blocked them with vehicles.
The Nation reports that the Federal Government described as “premature, ineffectual and illegal” Labour’s strike call over the new minimum wage.
It said Organised Labour failed to meet all statutory requirements and International Labour Organisation (ILO) principles before the declaration of industrial action.
It also said there is a subsisting court order precluding Labour from embarking on strike, which is yet to be vacated.
Details shortly…
The striking labour union has deliberately shutdown the national grid, which has resulted in a nationwide outage.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) made this known in a statement by its Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah in Abuja on Monday morning.
She said the shutdown occurred around 2.19 am on Monday 3rd June, 2024.
The statement reads: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide.
” The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024.
“At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero.
“Other transmission substations that were shut down by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.
“On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am.
“At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.
“We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.”
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has faulted the planned nationwide indefinite strike by the organised labour over a pay rise.
Fagbemi, in a letter to the leadership of both the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), urged the labour leaders to reconsider their positions on the issue.
The AGF urged them to consider the hardship such industrial action could occasion on the people and the nation’s struggling economy.
Part of the June 1 letter reads: “My attention has been drawn to the statement made on 31st May 2024, by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), declaring an indefinite nation-wide strike action from 3rd June 2024.
“I wish to note that this latest declaration of strike action by organized labour is premature at a time when the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in the tripartite committee on the determination of a new national minimum wage had not declared an end to negotiation.
“You are aware that the Federal and state governments are not the only employers to be bound by the new national minimum wage, hence, it is vital to balance the interest and capacity of all employers of labour in the country (inclusive of the organized private sector), to determine a minimum wage for the generality of the working population.
“I would like to draw your attention to Sections 41(1) and 42(1) of the Trade Disputes Act 2004 (as amended), which requires both NLC and TUC to issue mandatory strike notices of a minimum of 15 days.
“It is pertinent to observe that at no time did either NLC or TUC declare a trade dispute with their employers, or issue and strike notice as required by law for such strike action to be legitimate and lawful
“It is not in doubt that the fundamental importance of the 15-day notice is underscored by the fact that Sections 41(1) and 42(1)(b) criminalize non-compliance with this requirement for a valid declaration of strike action.
“In addition to the foregoing, the legality or legitimacy of the proposed strike action is also strongly called to question by the fact that both NLC and TUC failed to comply with the statutory condition precedent (dispute resolution procedures) provided for under Section 18(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act 2004 (as amended).
“Furthermore, the proposed strike action is also in breach of relevant conditions itemized under Section 31(6) of the Trade Unions Act (as amended).
“I wish to further draw your attention to the fact that the conditions outlined by our national legislations for exercising the right to strike are in tandem with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principles concerning the right to strike.
“It is the position of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association that the obligation, to give prior notice, obligation to have recourse to conciliation, meditation and (voluntary) arbitration procedures (n industrial disputes, etc are prior prerequisites for declaring a strike
“Thus, the alleged issuance of an ultimatum to the government by labour for the conclusion of negotiations before 31st May 2024 does not satisfy the requirement of issuing a categorical and unequivocal formal notice of strike action.
“Consequent to the foregoing, the call to industrial action is premature, ineffectual and illegal. The proposed strike action is also at variance with the order of the National Industrial Court and ongoing mediatory/settlement efforts over issues connected with the subject matter of the order.
“You are further invited to recall the pendency of the interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – Federal Government of Nigeria & another v. Nigerian Labour Congress & another, which order restrained both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.
“This order has neither been stayed nor set aside, therefore does it remain binding on the labour unions?
“It would be recalled that in the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy both the government and labour consented to measures to ameliorate the adverse consequences thereto, by executing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 2nd October 2023.
“The MOU entails provisions for payment of wage award, setting up of the minimum wage committee, provision of CNG buses and conversion kits, tax incentives, etc.
“It is remarkable to note that in the same MOU, both NLC and TUC committed ‘to henceforth abide by the dictates of social dialogue in all our future engagements.’
“While the government assures that it would continue to adopt a conciliatory approach to resolving matters pertaining to workers’ and citizens’ welfare in the spirit of collective bargaining, I would like to urge you to kindly reconsider the declaration of strike action and return to the ongoing negotiation meetings, winch has been adjourned to a date to be communicated to parties.
“This would be a more civil and patriotic approach and will enable your congress to pursue its cause within the aba of the law and avoid foisting avoidable hardships on the generality of Nigerians, which this proposed industrial action is bound to cause,” Fagbemi said.
The National Assembly said on Sunday, June 2, that it was taking steps to mediate the crisis between the federal government and organised labour to avert the planned strike scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3.
In a statement jointly signed by the spokesman of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly said it was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
The statement reads: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.
“The decision followed the deadlock between the Federal Government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
“As a responsive parliament, the leadership of the National Assembly, comprising the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, which would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy.
“The National Assembly notes that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment, and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.
“The 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
“We further urge all stakeholders to remain patient and cooperative as we work diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.”
The Branch Controller (Ekiti) of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs T.A.Y. Lawson has stated that the nationwide strike set to begin on Monday will not interfere with the examinations throughout the country.
This was contained in a letter to principals and school proprietors in Ekiti State titled: “Notice of commencement of indefinite strike by NLC and TUC” with reference number EK/BC/SC/EXAM/07/Vol.1/89 late Friday.
The letter reads: “The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC effective, Monday, 3rd June 2024.
“Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.”
She noted the examination body shares the burden of the unions but it was important that students shouldn’t be at the receiving end by missing the ongoing examination in Nigeria and other West African states.
“In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is going on across the member Countries of WAEC and the Nigerian Child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam.
“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam and School Principals, supervisors, parents and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam.
“Kindly be guided accordingly,” it concluded.
Organised Labour in Ondo State has begun mobilising members in preparation for indefinite strike action on Monday.
A source said the Ondo Labour would officially declare its stand on Sunday.
The source said the workers in the State would be mobilised to join the strike action.
However, some residents in the State, have expressed pessimism over the strike action.
They said the strike was necessary but that labour should not elongate the strike action.
A civil servant, Mr. Ajibola Monday, urged the Federal Government to peg the minimum wage at N100,000 due to rising inflation.
The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has said it would commence an indefinite strike on Monday, June 3, following the failure to reach agreement on a new national minimum wage and the non reversal in the hike of electricity tariff by the federal government.
Presidents of the labour unions, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo addressed a joint press conference following the meeting with the tripartite committee on Friday.
The two labour centres said the strike would commence by midnight of June 2, 2024.
The unions urged its affiliates and state
Councils, civil society organisations, market men and women and the general populace
to prepare for a decisive action.
Osifo said the government and organised private sector (OPS) maintained the N60, 000 they presented at Tuesday’s meeting.
The government added N3, 000 to its initial offer of N57, 000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60, 000.
At the meeting, labour again lowered its demand by removing N3, 000 from the N497, 000 it proposed last week.
It is now asking the government to pay public sector workers N494, 000 as minimum wage.
The tripartite committee has been locked in talks over a new minimum wage since the committee was inaugurated in January this year.
To fast track the negotiation process, the NLC and TUC) on May Day gave the committee till the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.
That ultimatum expired on Friday night without an agreement.
Speaking during the press conference, Osifo said: “We shall be commencing an indefinite strike effective from Sunday midnight of June 2, 2024 and this strike will be indefinite and it will continue until we have a new minimum wage and until the government is serious.
“We are united on this because we believe this is the way forward. We believe, as we have done over the years, to consistently stand with the working class of Nigeria because they have been battered since May 29, 2023 till date.”
In a joint address, labour said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) express grave concern and disappointment over the Federal Governments failure to conclude and pass into Law a new National Minimum Wage Actand reverse the vexatious hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh.
“Today’s meeting further demonstrated the unseriousness and apparent contempt with which the Nigerian state holds the demands of Nigerian workers and people. No Governor was present and Ministers absent except the Minister of state for Labour and Employment who doubles as a conciliator. There was none present on the side of the government with appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome; in essence, government abandoned the meeting. We consider this disdainful and shows lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise.
“You will all recall that during the last May Day celebration on the 1st of May2024, we
issued a clear ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the conclusion of this critical exercise by the end of the month. However, there has been no significant progress or commitment from the government towards meeting this demand.
“We also demanded a reversal of the last hike in electricity tariff to N225/kwh back to N65/kwh and stoppage of the apartheid categorisation of consumersinto Bands. We
carried out a nationwide oneday proteston the 13thday of May 2024giving the government until the last day of this month to take action but the government has not entirely shown any positive responsedespite the national outrage at this insensitive hike. Nigerian workers, who are the backbone of our nation’s economy, deserve fair and decent wages that reflect the current economic realities. It is disheartening that despite our repeated calls and the clear ultimatum issued, the government continues to neglect
its responsibility to the workforce. It has rather than engagein a dialoguepersistently raised its attack dogs to seek to denigrate and intimidate trade union leaders.
“It continues to remain our belief that the people ought to be the only reason for governance and nothing else.
Government must therefore seek the welfare of the people at all times and refusal to put the people first compels all patriots to take the right step in assisting the government govern well. The hike in electricity tariff impoverishes furtherthe already suffering people and denies them the right to decent living. Instead
of taking remedial action or engaging in a meaningful dialogue,Nigerians were visited with a barrage of the usual propaganda.
“In light of this persistent inaction, we, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), hereby issue a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike to the Federal Government. We reiterate that since the National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise has not been concluded and the agreed wage
passed into law; the hike in electricity tariff not reversed and categorisation of
consumers into Bands not stopped as demanded; Nigerian workers are compelled by these failures to embark on an indefinite nationwide industrial action beginning on Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024 to press home our demands.
“The NLC and TUC are united in this cause, and we call on all our affiliates and state Councils, Civil Society Organisations, market men and women and the general populace
to prepare for a decisive action. We cannot and will not accept any further delays or excuses. The welfare of Nigerian workers and people is non-negotiable, and we are ready
to take all necessary steps to ensure that their rights are protected and their voices heard.
“We regret the inconveniences this refusal ofthe federal government to heed our demands may cause all of us but we assure you of our determination to pursue this cause to its conclusion.”
President Bola Tinubu on May Day promised to pay workers a living wage.
President Tinubu, through the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on January 30, 2024 inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee to come up with a new minimum wage.
With its membership cutting across federal, and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.
Shettima, during the committee’s inauguration, urged the members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early.
“This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.
He also urged collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.
The 37-man committee is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji.
Organised Labour has said that it would embark on an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, June 3.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at an ongoing press briefing in Labour House, Abuja.
He said the strike is due to the failure of the federal government to conclude negotiations on a new national minimum wage and reverse the hike in the electricity tariff.
Ajaero said the strike would begin by midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
At the briefing, leaders of NLC and TUC pleaded with Nigerians to bear with them, saying “Apologies for inconveniences but commitment to pursue the cause to its conclusion.”
Details shortly…