NLC CALLS OFF STRIKE, READY FOR NEGOTIATIONS

The president of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba says the decision to call off the strike came after an emergency meeting of the NEC The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday, May 22, called off its nationwide strike. Speaking to journalists, the president of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba said the union is calling off the strike after several deliberations.

Wabba said the decision to call off the strike came after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council of the NLC.“After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted its protest action was informed by the twin issues of the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and increase in the pump price of petroleum products,” Wabba said.

He also said the council adjudged that the strike action is a success in spite of both internal and external challenges the union faced during the period. “In consideration of the above, NEC after due consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the action it commenced on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

The action is thus hereby suspended,” he said. He commended all those who participated in the action, stating that the union is committed to genuine dialogue within the framework of internationally established  and recognized principles of representation with it and the Nigerian government.’



He insisted that the action was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak, pointing out that the action drew government’s attention to the dangers of relying on importation of petroleum products as a sustainable strategy for making available petroleum products, expressing the belief time would prove its position right in the days ahead.

While commending some concerned Nigerians for intervening, Wabba said NEC urged the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent unions, interest groups and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening democracy in the country.

He however condemned the activities of the security operatives especially the police in Ebonyi state. Also present at the briefing include, renowned activist and lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN).

The labour unions had embarked on an industrial action on Wednesday, May 18, to force the federal government to revert to the pump price of petrol from N145 to its former price of N86.50. However, the strike lasted just three days as workers largely ignored its directive to stop work.

Read full press statement:

Nigeria Labour Congress SUSPENDS STRIKE ACTION;

THE COMMUNIQUÉ AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS ISSUED HELD ON SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 IN ABUJA.

An emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held today, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Bolton White Hotels, Abuja on the on-going protest action against the increase in pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity tariff. NEC reviewed the protest action and its impact across the nation, noting the sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of Nigerians, government's attitude and the brutality of the police in some states. NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi State Police Command where our members were intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.

After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted its protest action was informed by the twin issues of the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of both internal and external challenges.

NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship they portend for Nigerian masses.

NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be compelling but that the scenario had changed as both the actors and the terrain were different.

NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not surprised by government's negative response. Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it will still rise and stand with the people.

NEC therefore commended those who took part in the action in one way or the other and reaffirm its commitment to the struggle.  The action, it reiterated was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak and in drawing government's attention to the dangers of relying on importation of petroleum products as a sustainable strategy for making available petroleum products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead, time would prove its position right.

Congress singled out for commendation, its state councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

In consideration of the above, NEC after due consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the action it commenced on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby suspended.

Congress will resume negotiations with government on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an increase in the pump price of petroleum products and any other issue that may arise thereof.

It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue within the framework of internationally established and recognized principles of representation.

The Congress will continue to resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes and will always act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.

The Congress urges the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening our democracy and also in acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes around, comes around.

The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

The Congress commends all Nigerians for their understanding and support.

Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni.                               Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson
President                                                                       General Secretary


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