Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Last minute efforts by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to avert the two-day warning strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, may have failed as the national leadership of NLC, stayed away from the parley.
Only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress, led by its President, Festus Osifo, showed up for the reconciliatory meeting scheduled for 3 p.m Monday but which dragged to 5:32 p.m.
Recall that NLC, had in a communique jointly signed by its national President, Joe Ajaero; and Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, said it decided to embark on a two-day warning strike following what was described as the failure of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to dialogue and engage stakeholders within the organised labour on efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
Shortly after the price of petrol hit N600 per litre, the organised labour on August 2, took to the street in many cities to demand immediate reversal to the original pump price.
Major cities across the country were locked down during the protest.
Part of the reasons for the proposed warning strike slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, was the threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to demolish illegal structures.
Labour also cited the alleged exploitation of the rights of workers in Imo State; and the interference in trade union matters by the Abia State Government as part of the reasons for the warning strike.
