The across the nation strike that had been scheduled for Wednesday has been unexpectedly suspended by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
This resolution came about after an intensive six-hour meeting between the Federal Government and the organized labour.
The meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to documents obtained by MandyNews, the parties involved agreed to “[suspend the] notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations.”
The Resolutions Reached
The meeting resulted in the establishment of several resolutions geared towards addressing the contentious issues surrounding the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol). Here are the key points:
- Wage Review: The Federal Government, TUC, and the NLC will form a joint committee. The purpose of this committee will be to review any proposed wage increase or award and to establish an implementation framework and timeline.
- Cash Transfer Scheme: The three parties will review the World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
- CNG Conversion Program: The Federal Government, TUC, and the NLC will revive the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion program agreed upon in 2021 and establish a detailed timeline for its implementation.
- Education Sector: The Labour centers and the Federal Government will review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
- Refinery Rehabilitation: The Labour centers and the Federal Government will establish a framework for the completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: The Federal Government will provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
- Other Demands: All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.
In light of these resolutions, the NLC and TUC have agreed to suspend the notice of strike to enable further consultations. The Labour Centers and the Federal Government will meet again on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.
These changes represent a major advancement in the continuing conversation between labor unions and the Federal Government. Hopefully, this development will pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts brought on by the controversial subsidy removal.
Stay updated with all the latest news on this developing story at MandyNews.
