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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are currently meeting with the representatives of the Federal Government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to determine whether the indefinite strike called over the nationwide hardship would hold or not.
The unions had declared indefinite strike with effect from October 3, 2023 over the nationwide hardship as a result of some government policies, particularly fuel subsidy removal.
After shunning initial meetings called by the Federal Government, the leadersip of the unions held a meeting with the Federal Government on Sunday evening.
Governors, Ministers and other officials attended the meeting chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
At the end of that meeting, Gbajabiamila expressed optimism that the strike would be called off.
But NLC President, Ajaero said the organised labour could not unilaterally shelve the indefinite strike it scheduled for October 3, without recourse to its organs.
The Acting President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim Okon, who also addressed journalists, said the labour would meet its organs on Monday (today) to review the outcome of the meeting with the government delegation.
He added that the team from the organised labour would return for another meeting.
After Sunday’s meeting, President Bola Tinubu approved a N35,000 wage increment for federal workers and also announced other measures to cushion the effect of the removal of petroleum subsidy.
The unions are expected to announce their decision on the strike after the ongoing meeting.
