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Tag: NLC

  • JUST IN: Labour shuts FCT Minister’s gate

    JUST IN: Labour shuts FCT Minister’s gate

    Strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is gaining momentum in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Labour, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Monday shut the main gate of the FCT Administration popularly known as the Minister’s Gate, stopping the workers from gaining entrance.

    The workers were seen floating around the gate while labour leaders enforced compliance of “no entry, no going out.”

    Read Also: Workers shut FCTA gates over labour strike

    The President of JUAC, Comrade Rifkatu Lortyer, vowed the action would continue till their demands are met.

    She advised FCTA and FCDA workers to stay at home and obey the rules.

    She said: “You know it is a long time struggle over the minimum wage and the electricity tariff that is just added to it. And till now government has reached a compromise. Since the national body NLC and TUC have declared strike we have to enforce it”.
    Security operatives are presently at the entrance of the FCTA and FCDA.

    Details shortly…

  • Police to NLC, TUC: shelve strike to avoid breakdown of law and order

    Police to NLC, TUC: shelve strike to avoid breakdown of law and order

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has advised the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to comply with legal procedures and shelve the proposed nationwide strike to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the police said the action is a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.

    A statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force, while acknowledging the recent announcement by organized labour regarding the intention to embark on a nationwide strike action and understanding the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, wishes to emphasize the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities; and calls for caution to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Strike: Akpabio, Abass begin emergency meeting with NLC, TUC executive

    “The NPF hereby urges organized labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.

    “The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful duties without hindrance. 

    “Therefore, all members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities, while organized labour is urged to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolving the existing grievances”.

  • BREAKING: NLC/TUC Insists on indefinite strike

    BREAKING: NLC/TUC Insists on indefinite strike

    • …to discuss National Assembly appeal with Labour organs

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) confirmed on Sunday, June 2, that their planned indefinite strike over the new minimum wage will proceed as scheduled.

    The organized labour said its decision stands despite last-minute efforts by the National Assembly leadership to prevent a potential economic shutdown by the unions.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Shelf your planned strike action, CAN begs NLC

    The unions said that they will meet and discuss the appeal made by the leadership of the National Assembly in need to suspend the proposed strike and allow for more dialogue with its organs before taking a decision

    Details shortly…

  • Consider poor Nigerians, cleric begs NLC over proposed strike

    Consider poor Nigerians, cleric begs NLC over proposed strike

    The Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese Anglican Communion Rt. Rev. Akintunde Popoola has urged Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to consider poor Nigerians before embarking on the proposed strike over new minimum wage.

    He said NLC and TUC should know that poor people suffer most during strikes, urging them to negotiate with government genuinely.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the N494,000 minimum wage demanded by labour would impose on the Federal Government a new annual wage bill of N9.5 trillion.

    The Minister said government considers payment of such a huge amount unsustainable appealing to Organised Labour to shelve its proposed strike.

    Speaking in Ibadan during the thanksgiving service of the occasion of the 1st Session of 9th Synod of the Diocese, Popoola what the NLC is requesting though understandable will lead to uncontrollable inflation.

    Read Also: Renewed Hope: NDDC subjects employees to mandatory anti-graft training

    He said Organised Labour should shift grounds in negotiating for the new minimum wage.

    He noted that government also should consider the suffering of people, stating that what government is offering the labour as new minimum wage is not fair.

    According to him: “Government should find a way to improve value of naira and increase minimum wage, what many workers are earning can not take them for a week not to talk of a month.”

    Has charged leaders to be good examples and focus on human development for better Nigeria.

    He commended Oyo  Governor Seyi Makinde for completion of abandoned projects by his predecessor, prompt payment of salaries of workers and release of funds for education and health sector among others.

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  • BREAKING: Strike: Akpabio, Abass begin emergency meeting with NLC, TUC executive

    BREAKING: Strike: Akpabio, Abass begin emergency meeting with NLC, TUC executive

    …as Akume, Gbajabimila, Edun, others present

    The leadership of the National Assembly and five ministers have commenced a meeting with the executive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a bid to avert the planned indefinite workers’ strike.

    The leadership of organised labour had declared an indefinite strike billed to commence on Monday, June 3, over the non-approval of a national minimum wage by the federal government.

    The emergency meeting was summoned by the Presiding officers of the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Renewed Hope: NDDC subjects employees to mandatory anti-graft training

    Present at the meeting is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Finance, Dr Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkiruka Onyejiocha, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan.

    The president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, the president of TUC, Festus Osifo and members of their national executive were also present at the meeting.

  • NLC tackles Soludo

    NLC tackles Soludo

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue with the Anambra State Government to address the grievances of its workers.

    The Congress in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said: “We vehemently reject the blatant dissemination of falsehoods and overt attempts at blackmail, clearly orchestrated by the state government to divert public attention from the genuine grievances of Anambra workers against the government.

    “It is imperative that we address the real issues raised by the NLC and TUC in their letter of ultimatum to the state government, which we were duly copied on at the national headquarters.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue with the government to address the grievances of workers in Anambra State.

    “ It is important to emphasise that the NLC’s primary objective is to ensure the welfare and rights of workers are upheld.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Soludo sacks 21 transition committee chairmen in Anambra

    “We have received several complaints against the government of the state by its past and present leaders and have always deferred to the wishes of the leaders in the state as to the direction they may need our assistance.

    “In this case, it should be noted that from our records that they had written your government letters of complaint on the issues they have canvassed as grievances and reached some understandings which the government has refused to implement.

    “It was the refusal of the government that propelled the workers to issue an ultimatum to compel compliance with the laws of our nation.

    “To this ultimatum, we have given our maximum support from the national leadership and have thus communicated to all of our affiliates to do the same in keeping with our traditions.”

    The NLC maintains that constructive engagement and adherence to factual information are vital in resolving labour disputes.

    Ajaero said: “Contrary to the assertions made by the state government, Comrade Ajaero’s remarks were not intended to disparage the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo or his administration. Rather, they were aimed at highlighting specific concerns regarding the implementation of labour-related policies and the resolution of vexatious issues affecting workers in the state.

     “This is unlike the unwholesome outburst from the government, making wild accusations using the clearly well worn-out and obsolete cliches of a phantom 2027 political ambition as a cover.

    “We think the government ought to show more respect and dignity to its workers and people by not allowing itself to be dragged into such desperate mudslinging in an attempt to divert public’s attention.

    “As a Professor, we strongly believe that such gutter snipe ought not to have been allowed to proceed out of his administration.

    “It is also imperative to address the discrepancies between the state government’s claims and the realities faced by workers on the ground. While the government highlights various initiatives and achievements, it is essential to recognise that there are still unresolved issues, including the payment of the 2019 National Minimum Wage, contributory pension deductions, and the cessation of special allowances including the Ndiolu Microfinance affair.

    “That the government acknowledges that there are issues which it claims to be outstanding is rather being economical with the truth.’’

  • O n rúgbó bọ̀ Ẹgbẹ́ òṣìṣẹ́ kọ owó oṣù tuntun tíjọba àpapọ̀ fẹ́ẹ́ san sí wọn lọ́rùn

    O n rúgbó bọ̀ Ẹgbẹ́ òṣìṣẹ́ kọ owó oṣù tuntun tíjọba àpapọ̀ fẹ́ẹ́ san sí wọn lọ́rùn

    Wọ́n ní nnkan ti wọ́n nígboro

    Kayọde Ọmọtọṣọ

    Ko jọ pe ijọba apapọ pẹlu ẹgbẹ awọn oṣiṣẹ ilẹ wa (NLC), ti i gbọ ara wọn ye rara lori ọrọ owo oṣu oṣiṣẹ to kere julọ. Idi ni pe nibi ipade lori ọrọ ọhun ti ẹgbẹ NLC ṣe pẹlu ijọba apapọ lanaa ni wọn ti kọ ẹgbẹrun lọna mẹrinlelaadọta (#54,000.00), ti ijọba fi n lọ wọn silẹ, wọn ni nnkan ti wọn nigboro ju iye owo ọhun lọ.

    Koda, nibi ti ipade ọhun le de,wọn sun un siwaju fi oni, Ọjọruu, Wẹsidee, lati ba a tun mọ odo ti wọn yoo dọrunla si.

    Read Also: Obi shuns NLC, endorses Abure as LP national chairman

    Igba kẹta ree ti ẹgbẹ oṣiṣẹ pẹlu awọn aṣoju ijọba apapọ yoo kọ lati gbọ ara wọn ye lori ọrọ owo oṣu tuntun. Lọsẹ to kọja ni ẹgbẹ awọn oṣiṣẹ binu kuro nibi ipade nigba ti awọn aṣoju ijọba fi ẹgbẹrun lọna mejidinlaadọta gẹgẹ bi owo oṣu to kere julọ, lọ wọn.

     Alaga ẹgbẹ ọhun, Joe Ajaero, ni awọn o le gba din ni ẹgbẹrun lọna ẹgbẹta o le (#615,000.00), gẹgẹ bii owo oṣu to kere julọ. O ni ohun ti awọn fi ṣiro owo ọhun ko ju bi nnkan ṣe wọn nigboro, atipe awọn wo o pe oṣiṣẹ kan yoo bọ ẹnu mẹfa, o kere tan ninu idile rẹ.

  • Obi shuns NLC, endorses Abure as LP national chairman

    Obi shuns NLC, endorses Abure as LP national chairman

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has endorsed the party’s National Chairman Julius Abure and its National Working Committee (NWC).

    Obi endorsed Abure and LP’s NWC during his solidarity visit to the party’s national headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

    Abure and other party leaders received the former Anambra State governor.

    The solidarity visit signalled Obi’s change of heart, having shunned the party’s controversial national convention, which was held in his home state amid a leadership crisis that rocked the second opposition party.

    During the visit, Obi endorsed the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Abure.

    Obi’s decision may pit him against the Nigeria Labour Congress which has called for the sacking of Abure and the NWC.

    The NLC Political Commission rejected the national convention, which returned Abure as the party’s national chairman.

    Read Also: LP crisis: Obi shuns NLC, endorses Julius Abure-led NWC

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by LP’s National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, the party’s former presidential candidate urged aggrieved members to prioritise the survival of Nigerians and the country first above other interests.

    He said: “For now, let us talk about how we are going to survive till then, because we politicians always focus on the next election and not about human beings.

    “For me, when they survive till the next election, we can talk about the election. Let us focus on Nigeria and see that Nigeria works. If Nigeria is working, the Labour Party will work.”

    Also, Abure expressed the appreciation of the party’s NWC to Obi, saying it was high time dissenting voices over the Nnewi convention were united and worked for the party’s interest to make a good showing in the next general election.

  • Minimum wage: NLC, TUC insist on May deadline

    Minimum wage: NLC, TUC insist on May deadline

    Organized labour has insisted that negotiations with the federal government on a new national minimum wage must be concluded by the end of the month.

    This decision was made by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress during an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Monday, May 20.

    The unions stated that the federal government has not demonstrated a serious commitment to concluding the new national minimum wage process.

    Discussions are expected to resume on Tuesday, May 21, after talks broke down last Wednesday when the government proposed N48,000 to the tripartite committee.

    In a communique signed by Presidents of NLC, Joe Ajaero, and Festus Osifo, the unions also gave the government till the end of the month to reverse the recent increase in electricity tariff for some band customers.

    The unions also directed its state councils to issue a two-week deadline to state governments not paying the N30,000 minimum wage to workers.

    Labour said it couldn’t guarantee industrial peace in those states if they failed to pay workers the N30,000 wage.

    The communique reads: “After thorough deliberations and considerations of these current realities as they affect Nigerian workers and masses, the NEC-in-session of both centres resolved as follows:

    “Electricity Tariff Hike: The NEC once again vehemently condemns the unilateral increase in electricity tariff by the authorities. This action, taken without due consideration for the economic hardships faced by the masses and the provisions of the Law, is deemed unjust and burdensome. The NEC reaffirms its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the vexatious apartheid categorization into Bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens and gives the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government until the last day of May, 2024 to meet these demands.

    “Negotiation of New National Minimum Wage: The NEC acknowledges the ongoing negotiations between the NLC/TUC, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and the federal government regarding the new national minimum wage. While appreciating the efforts made thus far, the NEC emphasises the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of the government’s policies. The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.

    “The NEC-in-session therefore reiterates the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month. It emphasises the non-negotiable nature of the demands put forth by Nigerian workers and urges the government to prioritise the resolution of these issues in the best interest of industrial peace.

    “NEC-in-session further directed all state Councils whose state Governments are yet to fully implement the N30,000(Thirty-thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments to issue immediately a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state Governments to avert industrial action.

    “Consequently, the NEC-in-session accordingly reaffirms the NLC and TUC joint ultimatum earlier issued to the Anambra state government by its Anambra state councils. It therefore directed all affiliates and workers in the state council to mobilise their members to ensure a successful action in the event the state government fails to meet the demands of workers by Thursday, the 23rd of May, 2024. 

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Labour agrees to attend Tuesday talks

    “In the event that the government fails to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated time frame, the NEC authorises the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to the mobilisation of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers’ rights.

    “NEC therefore calls on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens.

    “The NECs – in – session finally affirms its unwavering commitment to championing the cause of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their rights and interests are upheld at all times.”

  • NLC, TUC warn FG not to touch pension fund

    NLC, TUC warn FG not to touch pension fund

    The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress(TUC) have warned the Federal Government not to tamper with the pension funds belonging to workers.

    The two labour centres, in a letter to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, urged the government to leave the pension funds alone.

    The Minister had hinted of plans to deploy the N20trn pension fund for infrastructure development.

    But in the letter jointly signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and Deputy President of the TUC, Comrade Tommy Okon the unions said they were opposed to the government deploying the workers’ funds for infrastructure development.

    It reads: “We write this letter with grave concern and unwavering determination on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). The recent announcement by you, Honourable Minister, regarding the government’s intention to utilise the substantial pension funds of N19.66 trillion for infrastructural development has ignited deep apprehension and unrest among Nigerian workers, who are the primary contributors and eventual beneficiaries of these funds.

    “Allow us to underscore the severity of the matter at hand. The revelation that the government has already accessed nearly 70% of the entire pension fund value is not merely alarming; it is utterly unacceptable. Nigerian workers have entrusted their hard-earned savings for retirement security, not as a means for government projects. It is imperative to halt any further plans to tap into these funds, especially given the lack of transparency and accountability in past government borrowing practices.

    Read Also: Lagos approves adoption of 172 rescued babies, rehabilitates 753 destitutes

    “Your proposal to further leverage these funds for the purported betterment of housing and infrastructural sectors raises serious questions about fiscal prudence and responsible governance. Where does the government intend to source the additional N20 trillion it seeks to acquire, especially considering the ambiguity surrounding previous borrowing practices? The lack of clarity on this matter only fuels skepticism regarding the feasibility and sustainability of your initiative. Nigerian workers rightfully demand assurances that their retirement funds will not fall victim to further federal government borrowing especially when the PENCOM Board has not been constituted as envisaged by the statutes. One is left to wonder which Board superintends over such discussion with the Government. Seeking to borrow from this fund is not backed by the Pension Act.

    “Despite the government’s assurances of widespread consultation with major  stakeholders in the Pension industry, it is disheartening to note that the NLC and TUC, representing the owners of the entire Pension fund contributions, have neither been consulted nor informed about the government’s intentions. This lack of transparency undermines the sanctity of pension funds, which should be treated with the utmost reverence and protection at all times.

    “It is incumbent upon the government to prioritise alternative sources of funding that do not imperil the financial security of Nigerian workers. We insist that any initiative aimed at leveraging pension funds for national development must be – executed with utmost transparency, accountability, and respect for the rights and interests of workers.

    “Furthermore, we strongly oppose the notion of the government engaging in fierce  competition with other users of funds in the Pension fund market. Access to these funds is crucial for private sector development and the advancement of our nation’s economy. Further borrowing denies private sector organizations access to funds essential for driving business growth nationwide.

    “We therefore urge the government to reconsider its plans to tap further into  pension funds and instead explore sustainable financing options that do not  compromise the retirement security of Nigerian workers. Organised Labour will  resist any action that seeks to undermine the retirement savings of Nigerian workers. We remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of workers across the country.”