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Tag: Strike

  • Strike cripples govt, banking activities in A’Ibom

    Strike cripples govt, banking activities in A’Ibom

    Government and banking activities have been crippled in Akwa Ibom as workers in the state under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) joined the two-day warning strike.

    Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), however, did not participate in the action.

    As early as 6. am the leadership of the NLC had mobilized workers to block the gates of the State Secretariat known as the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat.

    The same situation happened at the Government House and the Secretariat Annex along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

    The Nation reports that commercial banks were shut to customers. Branches of situated along Olusegun Obasanjo Road, Aka Road, Oron Road, and others did not open for business.

    However, workers in the state complied fully with the Union’s directive by staying away from work.

    The labour leaders embarked on a peaceful protest along Abak Road from the State Secretariat by 10 am, chanting solidarity songs, and returned back to the Secretariat at about 11 am.

    Addressing the workers after the Street protest that lasted about one hour, the state Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Sunny James commended them for making the exercise in the state successful.

    He said: “Comrades you are here and I salute you. It is important to say that we did not come out here for trouble. We came to ask for our rights and our rights must be given to us.

    “Somebody cannot be happy when the children are hungry and angry. Mr President must hear Nigerin workers. Nigerian workers are hungry and angry. And I am very sure Mr President will listen to the workers.

    “Comrades on May 29, 2023, His Excellency, the President of Nigeria, withdrew fuel subsidy without putting in place measures to help the people of Nigeria, and organized Labour said no, it is not correct.

    “Can you put modalities to help the people he blatantly refused? When he agreed to meet the Labour. He formed a Committee to meet with Labour, and the committee went to work and agreed on a number of issues. Prominent among the agreements is that all the streets should be flooded with Mass Transit buses.

    “Comrades if the bus has not come, it means the President has lied to our people. Therefore we said enough is enough.

    Read Also: Banks, TUC shun NLC strike in Imo

    “We call to account why people in government cannot meet the Petroleum epiquarter given to Akwa Ibom. Over 2 million barrels of Crude oil comes out of soil on a daily basis. Comrade Nigerians are struggling right now to have 1.2million.

    “We hired a Government inside the Government, Government Tompolo, and the federal government asked him to go and protect the pipeline and Tompolo discovered a Pipeline where Shell is taking Oil from Nigeria, about 40,000 barrels every day, and the Nigerian government did not say anything.

    “It is not proper for Nigerians to suffer in the midst of plenty. Therefore, we are calling the government to account and ensure that Nigerians are not treated like slaves. Nigeria is not poor. Therefore give to us what belongs to us. The poor are not breathing, the rich have strangulated the poor.”

  • NLC Strike: Banks, FRIN, others shut in Oyo

    NLC Strike: Banks, FRIN, others shut in Oyo

    The chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo state Chapter, Comrade Kayode Martins on Tuesday, September 5, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by workers in the state on the two day warning strike called by the national body of the union.

    He stated that a call to all affiliate unions showed that they all complied, saying there would be an indefinite strike if government fails to listen to agitation of workers within 14 working days after the warning strike.

    Martins, however, urged federal government to do something urgently about welfare of workers, saying the removal of subsidy has affected them alot.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Kaduna Secretariat locked over NLC warning strike

    Public institutions like Nihort, FRIN and some banks visited by our correspondent in Ibadan metropolis indicate that they complied totally while offices were under lock and key.

  • FG begs NLC to shelve planned two-day warning strike

    FG begs NLC to shelve planned two-day warning strike

    The federal government has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its planned two-day warning strike slated to commence on Tuesday, September 5.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong made the appeal on Monday, September 4, in Abuja.

    The minister promised to attend to the contending issues raised by the NLC holistically if given some time to settle into office.

    He noted that although the ministry was yet to get a notification of the planned strike as required by law from the NLC, the ministry would be having a meeting with the labour leaders by 3 pm today (Monday) with a view to stopping the planned strike.

    While expressing worry that the planned action would reverse the gains already made, the minister who promised never to take labour and Nigerian workers for granted, maintained that the federal government had already initiated some actions to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal and was willing to find solutions to the challenges confronting Nigerians as a result of its policies. 

    Read Also: TUC snubs NLC strike call

    He said: “It has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its intended two-day warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

    “Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress gives this government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.

    “It should be realised that the cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr. President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs. Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon. In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically.

    “Consequently, I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding. We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged from the policies of the government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”

  • NLC to begin two-day nationwide warning strike Tuesday

    NLC to begin two-day nationwide warning strike Tuesday

    • Full-blown indefinite industrial action may follow

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its 52 affiliate unions across the country yesterday threatened to hold   a two-day nationwide warning strike on  Tuesday,  September 5 and  Wednesday, September 6, to “fight against hardship in the country.”

     An indefinite shutdown of the nation could follow if the Federal Government fails to address the “excruciating mass suffering” being faced by Nigerians, NLC President Joe Ajaero told reporters at the end of the National Executive Council meeting of the Congress in Abuja.

    Ajaero accused the government of “deliberate neglect and disregard to engage the relevant stakeholders through the channel of social dialogue.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: NLC threatens to embark on two-day warning strike next week

     The Federal Government, according to him, has “refused to engage and reach an agreement with the organized labour on critical issues on the consequences of the unfortunate hike in prices of Petroleum which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses.”

     He said the National Executive Committee of the NLC (NEC) therefore resolved  to ” embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.”

     Labour also demanded that the government should vacate “the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).”

     It also resolved to “begin the shutdown of the operations of Air Peace Airline and other companies in the aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of association and to collectively bargain and organize.”

    The NLC asked communities around the nation to “stop taking the law into their own hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution of any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria which is one of our affiliates.”

     It warned Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to desist  from “threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties built from their years of toil,” and should rather  ” focus more on making houses available to the people.”

    Ajaero said, ” He is not a Minister of Demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the streets  if he carries out his insensitive utterances.”

     He said Labour similarly resolved to ” embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within this month of September 2023 in preparation for a major shutdown of the state to compel the state government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.

    He alleged a “renewed onslaught by the government and its agents against labour unions,” claiming that the police “under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria invaded and illegally occupied the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers headquarters seeking to install its own executive.”

    Read Also; I don’t like military incursion but happy with Gabon coup, says Fayose

    Labour had, early last month protested alleged anti-people policies of the government sparked by the removal of oil subsidy.

    It said the government abandoned the negotiations and failed to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings.

  • Minimum Wage: 200 female footballers to go on strike

    Agency Report

     

    No fewer than 200 female footballers in Spain from various first division clubs have voted to go on strike over pay and working conditions.

    The vote late Tuesday won the support of 93 per cent of 188 players from 16 clubs after more than a year of failed negotiations with the Association of Women’s Football Clubs (ACFF).

    Clubs are proposing part-time salaries worth €8,000 a year while the players are demanding a minimum of €12,000, amounting to 75 per cent of minimum full-time contracts.

    “We are footballers 24 hours a day, 100 per cent of the time,” said Ainhoa Tirapu, goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team.

    “We hope to reach an agreement at some point but we had to take drastic action because the time for women’s football is now.”

    A date for the start of the strike has not been set but it could affect the Women’s Champions League, with Atletico Madrid playing against Manchester City next week.

    Barcelona ladies

    “We want an agreement now that is worthy and with equality” said David Aganzo, president of the Association of Women’s Players (AFE).

    “We have enjoyed talking about all the positive things in women’s football, many of them on show at the World Cup, but the players also need an improvement in their working conditions, that recognise what they do. In the 21st century, women deserve respect.”

    Last season, women’s football enjoyed a record-breaking season in Spain as 60,739 people turned out to watch Barcelona play Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in March.

    But when the two sides met again last month, Barca’s victory was not even shown on television.

    “It was disappointing,” Atletico’s Toni Duggan told AFP earlier this month. “Last season there were 60,000 people in the stadium and they can’t even televise the game the next year.

     

     

     

  • ‘No place for cultism, strike, activism at Naval varsity’

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has urged the new Vice Chancellor of the Admiralty University of Nigeria  (ADUN), Prof Paul Omaji, to ensure zero tolerance for immorality, indiscipline, drug abuse, cultism, activism and other vices.

    Vice Admiral Ibas, who is the visitor to the university, said its owners expect the institution to be one of the best globally as soon as possible, stressing that all necessary support would be given to the management to succeed.

    “You are expected to ensure that integrity, competence, transparency, good order, fairness, justice, academic excellence, good ethics and other virtues enshrined as core values in the code of conduct and the university law is upheld.   You will thus be expected to build a model institution that meets international standards, capable of developing the capacity of staff and students to attain their best possible potential,” he said.

    The Naval boss made the remarks during the presentation of appointment letter to the new Vice Chancellor at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

    He said expectations were high and urged the VC to meet them, following the guidelines provided by the institution’s Board of Trustees (BOT).

    The CNS said: “As you ponder on the way forward, rest assured that the founders and indeed, the Board of Trustees of ADUN will hand you specific key performance indicators and control measures which you will be obliged to meet and be held accountable for, periodically

    “These, among others, will enable you to institutionalise good corporate governance and internal control mechanisms to ensure probity and judicious utilisation of human, material and financial resources.

    “The founders of the university will not relent in providing the needed guidance, wherewithal and support towards evolving a university that we will all be proud of.  It is hoped that the VC will be guided by applicable laws, regulations and policies in the discharge of his responsibilities.”

    He said the new VC has the mandate to attract international and domestic support, including collaboration with reputable personalities and institutions towards enhancing standards in the university.

    He counseled the VC to employ only the most qualified workers, and the best of students to fulfil the institution’s vision.

    In his acceptance speech, Prof Omaji thanked the CNS for the appointment and pledged to carry out all the responsibilities attached to the position, consistent with the ethos of the proprietors and the business ideology of ADUN.

    He said: “I am taking this position with all the wisdom I can muster. Apart from the vision 2025, which seeks to build the university capacity to nine faculties, 81 departments, 300 programmes, 11,000 students and 778 staff in six years.

    “The vision is ‘to be internationally recognised as a university with global perspective that meets the dynamic needs of society by educating leaders, who shall value creation for the good of mankind,’” he said.

  • Oyo workers threaten strike over demands

    THE leadership of Oyo State Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has served the government a 24-hour ultimatum within which to meet a list of tough demands or face strike action from today.

    Part of the demands contained in a two-page statement jointly signed by the NLC secretary, Mohamed Ibrahim and the Secretary of Joint Negotiating Council, Lukman Balogun, after a meeting of all public service unions yesterday, include payment of at least one month arrear of salary to local government workers in Lagelu, Egbeda, Ogbomoso North and South, Surulere and Ibadan North West.

    The workers also demanded payment of the remaining salary arrears  to health workers under the umbrella of JOHESU as well as  immediate enhancement of security within the state hospital, at Ring Road, Ibadan.

    The union appealed to the Governing Board of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital to reinstate the sacked workers at the hospital and release letter of promotion up to 2016 as being enjoyed by workers in other sectors in the state.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Bayo Titlola-Sodo, had on Wednesday evening told reporters that “a number of teething issues had been on the ground since 2011 when the outgoing government came into power”.

    The NLC chairman said the union was not getting favourable response from its negotiations with the outgoing government on the issues, including how to end the ongoing primary school teachers’ strike.

    The labour leader said if all the above demands were not met within 24 hours, “the leadership of all unions in the public service in Oyo State shall not be able to guarantee industrial peace and harmony in the state with effect from Friday, May 24, 2019.”

    The statement, however, acknowledged the commitment of the state government to the welfare of workers which include upgrading of the directorate cadre from grade level 16 to grade level 17 in tandem with the scheme of service in the Federal Civil Service level.

     

  • Imo doctors begin strike

    Medical doctors in Imo State-owned hospitals and health facilities yesterday began an indefinite strike.

    Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kyrian Duruewuru, who addressed reporters, said they were protesting the government unfair treatment.

    According to him, the first phase of the strike would involve all doctors in Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu; Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma and Hospital Management Board.

    The second phase would have all doctors in private hospitals and those in Federal Medical Centres downing tools.

    Duruewuru noted that while their “colleagues in other states were enjoying the adjusted salary structure, the government refused to implement it”.

    He said: “In the last four years, doctors in Imo State have received 70 per cent of their salaries. We are being owed three months arrears by the government. For us, this is unacceptable and very insensitive.”

    The chairman added that moves by the association to resolve the situation failed hence the industrial action.

    The doctors, who earlier gave a two week ultimatum, said they were demanding for the payment of their salary arrears.

  • Strike: CNPP praises ASUU for displaying patriotism

    The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for considering national interest and suspended its three months’ old strike to protect the future of the country.

    CNPP said the suspension of the industrial action has shown that ASUU’s members are patriotic Nigerians, who believe that dialogue could be a better means to settle differences rather than confrontation.

    ASUU had last year November embarked on strike to demand the implementation of pending Memorandum of Understanding signed with the federal government.

    The strike, which crippled academic activities in all the public universities, was suspended on Wednesday.

    The political group, in a statement by its Ekiti State Chairman, Com Olu Akomolafe, yesterday, called on the federal government to fulfil its own side of the memoranda of actions signed with ASUU to prevent future recurrence. He said the country may end up being destroyed, if universities that were designed for human capital training and development are being subjected to all manners of industrial challenges.

    Akomolafe added that allowing students to waste three months at home due to reconcilable and avoidable differences between the federal government and ASUU, may further recede the Nigerian universities’ ranking by the global community.

    The CNPP said while the government at all levels must prove to be responsible by acceding to the requests of university teachers, ASUU also must display patriotism by refraining from strike each time they have an axe to grind with the authorities.

     

     

     

  • JOHESU gives FG Jan.31 deadline to meet demands or strike

    The Joint Health Sector Unions ( JOHESU ) on Monday gave the Federal Government a Jan. 31 deadline to resolve all disputes, and meet the unions’ outstanding demands, or face industrial action.

    JOHESU’s National Chairman, Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the government had failed to adjust college skills for its members.

    Biobelemoye also said that the government had withheld April and May 2018 salaries of some union members that participated in the last strike.

    Other demands by JOHESU include the age-long struggle for recognition of consultancy cadre for eligible health workers and other outstanding allowances.

    The five affiliate unions of JOHESU are the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and Medical and Health Workers’ Union (MHWUN).

    Others include the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.

    Josiah said that the unions would be compelled to embark on strike, if the government failed to meet its demands by Jan. 31.

    “There is a time limit which should have been 21 days, but now, it is over six months because there are still some issues that are unresolved,” the JOHESU chairman said.

    He said that the government breached its agreement with the unions after the last year’s strike, that none of its members should be sanctioned.

    “Non-payment of salary during strike was not part of the memorandum of understanding we signed with the government.

    “We also have valid order of courts on our outstanding allowances; rather, the Federal Ministry of Health, through various hospital managements, illegally paid the arrears to medical doctors.

    “Medical doctors are not our members, and not entitled to these allowances because they were legitimately appropriated for us; which really need to be addressed,” he said.

    Josiah said that appointments of leaders in the Ministry of Health were only favourable to the medical doctors.

    Read Also: JOHESU, NMA differ over Appeal court ruling

    “Meeting health workers’ demands are not essential, but when we plan to go on strike, the government would say health is an essential service to get Nigerians’ sympathy,” he said.

    Also, Mr Olumide Akintayo, an Executive Member, Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association (AHPA), said that health professionals would continue to remind themselves that healthcare should be globally-inclined service, with norms and values.

    Akintayo said that running healthcare services should not be for only one health workforce because the result would be failure in the health system.

    “The quantity of appointments we have in the Federal Ministry of Health is very poor, by appointing doctors in all top positions.

    “What is happening in the health sector is appointment of doctors, which are far less than five per cent of the workforce in the health sector, to dominate the interest of other health workers, who contributes 95 per cent of workforce.

    “The world’s number one healthcare care worker is not even a medical doctor; that is why the director-general of the World Health Organisation is a microbiologist,” he said.

    According to Akintayo, what we have in the health sector in Nigeria is driven exclusively by medical doctors, and that is why we shall continue to contend with negative health issues.

    “Health issues include infant mortality, maternal mortality, fake drug syndrome, drug abuse and misuse of drugs,” he said.