FG, NLC Meeting Ends In Deadlock, As TUC Shuns Meeting
The meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday ended in deadlock as both parties concluded that negotiations are still ongoing.
Recall that the Federal government team led by the Minister of Labour and Employment yesterday scheduled a meeting with Organised labour to resolve the lingering strike issue.
Speaking to Newsmen during the session, The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong said that discussions on many of the items which NLC had tabled previously before the Federal Government had not reached the final stages.
According to the Minister, “We acknowledge the valid grievances that have fuelled the recent Labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.”
He, however, implored the NLC to also consider the economic reality of the nation, as the Labour Congress take action to ensure the well-being of workers.
According to him, “As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation.”
He called on organised labour to work with the government to explore strategies that would enhance working conditions and benefits of workers while also nurturing a robust economy.
“Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement.”
According to him another roundtable meeting will be scheduled to ensure that their demands are settled.
On his part, The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, stated that the parties agreed to continue their discussions till they arrived at a meaningful agreement within the remaining days of the ultimatum issued for the commencement of the strike.
Ajaero said that the parties also agreed to work towards the resolution of the issue of the invasion of the office of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the arrest of its duly elected principal officers by government agents.
Cmr. Ajaero noted that the option of the strike was borne out of frustration on account of the debilitating hardship in the country emanating from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) led by Festus Osifo failed to attend the meeting with the Minister.
It is observed that the TUC’s failure to honour the meeting might not be unconnected with some budding crisis among the Organised labour unions.
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