NLC Vows to Continue Strike, Hails Nigerians for Support

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has commended its members and civil society allies for turning out “enmasse” on Wednesday to prosecute the strike action against the increase in pump price of petroleum product.

The congress praised those who supported the protest, for taking action “in spite of teething challenges”.

“We salute their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming acts of threats and treachery,” the union said.

Thought full compliance was recorded only in a few states, the union vowed to continue with the protest, saying “no reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be different”.

“Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the protest continues tomorrow,” it said in a statement Wednesday evening.

“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members, friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest tomorrow.

“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout tomorrow at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is just the beginning,” said the statement signed by Peter Ozo-Eson, NLC’s secretary general.

Meanwhile Federal government on Tuesday invoked the "no work, no pay" Order.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal in a statement said any worker who joined the strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the new fuel price regime risked not being paid.

The statement read

"This notice is regrettably given in spite of an order by the Industrial Court against the strike.

"All workers, whether in public or private sector, are reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004 which provides:

"'Where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.”
"Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike action.
"Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation, " Babachir Lawal said.