Nationwide Strike Looms as NLC and TUC rally for Workers right in Imo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on November 14, 2023, in protest against the recent assault on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State, and a series of infractions on workers’ rights in the state.
The decision was confirmed following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on November 7, 2023. In a statement following the meeting, the labor unions cited the following reasons for their action:
* The Imo state government’s refusal to implement previous agreements with workers, including the National Minimum Wage policy
* Non-payment of salaries
* Labeling workers as “ghost workers”
* Vandalism of the NLC State Secretariat
* Discrimination in payment practices
* Violent interference with the Imo State Delegates’ Conference and the subsequent brutalization, abduction, and humiliation of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the police
The NLC and TUC have issued a communique with the following demands:
* Immediate implementation of all previous agreements with workers in Imo State
* Payment of all outstanding salaries
* Reinstatement of all workers who have been dismissed or suspended for union activities
* Compensation for the victims of the attack on the NLC State Secretariat
* Investigation and prosecution of the police officers involved in the brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero
The unions have ordered an immediate withdrawal of services in Imo State and declared an indefinite strike to commence at midnight on November 7, 2023. They have also vowed a nationwide service withdrawal from November 14, 2023, if their demands remain unaddressed.
The NLC and TUC have mandated full compliance with these decisions, calling on state councils and affiliates to join in their coordinated efforts to demand the protection of workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
The joint decision of the NLC and TUC reflects a resolute stance against the systemic violations of labor rights and a determined call for government accountability in addressing workers’ grievances.