The NLC said it will “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.”
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would carry out a mass protest this September in Imo State over the state government’s alleged disregard for workers’ rights.
The union stated this in a communique signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, and general secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC held on Thursday.
The communique said the NEC deeply analysed the prevailing national sentiment, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting citizens across all states of the federation.
It also said it scrutinised the federal government’s alleged failure to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in our nation. Furthermore, it said it considered the government’s “deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it had solemnly declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.”
The communique stated that the NEC also examined the renewed threats against trade unions and their leaders by various governors and organisations and was alarmed on the new dimensions and shape these sordid events have taken.
It consequently 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.
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“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
“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.
“To begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace 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 Organise.
“To call on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) which is one of our affiliates.
“To demand that the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory desist from threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties built from their years of toil but should focus more on making houses available to the people. He is not a Minister of Demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances.”