The leadership of the Labour Party has thrown its support behind the impending industrial action planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The party asserts that the presidency has demonstrated insensitivity towards the plight of Nigerian workers.
This announcement comes on the heels of organised labor’s determination to halt activities nationwide from October 3, in response to the government’s failure to effectively implement policies aimed at alleviating the suffering of the populace, particularly after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
After the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NLC, its National President, Joe Ajaero, expressed disappointment, noting that none of the demands presented to the Federal Government had been addressed.
Among the key demands put forth by the NLC and TUC are wage increases, the implementation of palliative measures, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, as well as a review of the minimum wage.
In a statement titled ‘Workers Strike: Labour Party Stands in Solidarity with Nigerian Workers,’ the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented the patience and understanding exhibited by Nigerian workers. Ifoh urged supporters of the party to stock up on food in preparation for the strike and warned that the leadership of the Labour Party will support any legitimate efforts aimed at securing improved welfare for Nigerian workers.
He said, “We have followed with keen interest, in the last four months, various meetings between Organised Labour and various government bodies including the president of the Senate, the presidency and the ministers of Labour as well as all the efforts made by the Labour leadership to get the government to understand the magnitude of sufferings its policies have thrown Nigerian workers into since the enthronement of this administration.
“We are not in any way surprised at the government’s apparent indifference, insensitivity, intransigence, and recalcitrant posture towards the genuine demands of the Labour bodies because their usurpation of power was not sanctioned by both the workers and generality of Nigerians.
“Nigerians went to the polls with clear conviction of the government they wanted but this was denied them through institutional conspiracy. Today, Nigerian workers are being punished for taking a stand during the February 25 Presidential Election. Labour Party is also aware of the sordid conditions which workers, the majority of them being our members, are subjected to, where many go to the office on a Monday and are forced by the prevailing economic challenges to sleep in their offices all through to Friday before returning home.
“We are also using this medium to inform all our members and supporters to stock their homes with their necessary needs ahead of a long-drawn mass action until victory is ascertained. No retreat, no surrender.”
