The Organized Labour, which was represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has given reason for the suspension of its planned nationwide strike and protests.
The organized labor made this known in a joint communique signed by its representatives on Tuesday.
The communique was titled, ‘Text of the joint communique on the resolution of trade dispute between the Federal and the organized Labour represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the State House Banquet Hall on September 27’.
The communique was signed on behalf of the organized labour by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba; TUC President Quadri Olaleye; Secretary-General NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja; Secretary-General TUC Musa Lawal Ozigi; NUPENG President Williams Akporeha; PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo; President NUEE Martin Uzoegwu and President, SSAEAC Chris N. Okonkwo.
The labour leaders said, they considered the impact of the COVID-19 before agreeing to suspend the industrial action.
They also disclosed that the Federal Government explained to them, the state of the economy of the country and the reason behind the recent cost-reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry.
The communique read in part, “Recognising the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nationwide industrial action by Organised Labour;
“Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy,
“Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices;
“Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order;
“Recognizing the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development;
“Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers’ representatives, namely the two Labour Centres – The NLC and TUC;
“To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost–reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry.”
Bipartite meeting was held to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the Federal Government and the Labour Union on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020.
After several deliberations on the issues raised by the Labour Unions, the Federal Government stated that it has put in place, palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings the Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost-reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and the deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The FG noted that the palliatives will be in the area of power, agriculture, transport, housing and humanitarian support.
“After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, resolutions were reached and mutually adopted.”
This came as a result of the marathon meetings between the representatives of the Labour Unions and the Federal Government on Sunday.
