Labour Movement Draws Battle Line With FG , Sets Up Committee To Begin Industrial Action
The United Labour Congress on Wednesday, drew the battle line with the Federal Government, saying it has set up a 15-member committee that would commence industrial action if the apex arm of government fails to meet the union’s demands within two weeks.
This was contained in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Comrade Didi Adodo, and made available to journalists.
The statement read, “It is a large committee made up of 15-members, drawn from some industrial Unions who are affiliates of the ULC. It is headed by Comrade Kasimu Kadiri; the General Secretary of Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria {SEWUN} and a National Vice president of the ULC as the Chairman and Comrade Onyeka Chris; Deputy General Secretary of ULC as the Secretary.
“ULC wants to be prepared to ensure that we carry out an industrial action that would be very effective and compel the federal Government of Nigeria and Governors to listen to the cries of Nigerian workers and masses”.
The labour movement said it is their duty to assist the Government to make governance more effective in order to break the shackles of suffering which underdevelopment has foisted on Nigerians.
The labour movement added, “For the avoidance of doubt, we want to reiterate that if these demands as once again stated below are not met on or before the expiration of this ultimatum on Friday, the 8th of September, we shall be forced to embark on this nation-wide strike”.
“That the Government should demand that the Federal Ministry of Labour sets up a task force immediately to carry out factory inspections as most of our factories are death traps.
“The immediate payment of all the arrears of salaries owed Nigerian workers at all levels of Government without exception.
” That the federal Government honours its 2009 agreement with University Lecturers under the umbrella of ASUU quickly and commence negotiations with them on new issues so that our universities will re-open amongst others.”
It said the demands must be met within two weeks of this date, saying ULC shall embark on Industrial actions to compel the Government to respect the interests of workers and the citizenry.
