Will NLC Proposed Strike Reverse Tinubu’s Anti-poor Policies?

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, recently gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies. These anti-poor policies include the recent hike in the pump price of petrol. 

NLC noted that failure to reverse these policies will bring the federal government face to face with an indefinite nationwide strike. The proposed strike will begin on the 2nd of August 2023.

This strike is one of the decisions reached at NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Tuesday, 25th of July, at Abuja Labour House. It is also important to state that this is the second time that the NLC would threaten the current government with strike action.

Reacting to the news, some Nigerians hoped that the protest will break Tinubu’s anti-people programs. Others were of the opinion that once the Labour union is given a bribe, their strike will be suspended.

What you need to know

NLC had in June suspended a proposed strike after reaching seven important agreements with the federal government.

First, the federal government, the TUC and the NLC agreed to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation. 

Second, they agreed to review the World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose the inclusion of low-income earners in the programme. Third, they agreed to revive the CNG conversion program earlier agreed with labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and tinting.

Fourth, the Labour centres and the federal government agreed to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation. 

Fifth, The Labour centres and the federal government agreed to review and establish the framework for the completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries. Sixth, the federal government provides a framework for the maintenance of roads and the expansion of rail networks across the country. Finally, All other demands submitted by the TUC to the federal government will be assessed by the joint committee.