By Ayo Yusuf
Following yesterday’s resolution between the federal government and organised labour which led to the postponement of the indefinite strike planned for October 3, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has commended both parties for protecting Nigeria from the burden of another industrial action.
Mr. Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
TheNewDiplomat reports that organised labour had threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike on Oct. 3, to press home their demands for palliatives to stave off the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy which has led to untold hardship on the masses.
According to Mr. Oyerinde, who commended the resolution of the logjam, the agreement has vindicated his position that social dialogue remains the most veritable way to resolve any issue.
He said that, “It is important to state that while the unnecessary disruption of economic activities have been averted, there is a need for the government to live up to it’s commitment and fulfill the terms of the resolution and labour to also ensure improved productivity to get the wheel of production going.
“Employers will continue to insist on, and advocate a peaceful industrial environment as a pillar for economic and national renaissance”.
He further advised the federal government to ensure it lives up to its promises to workers and the citizens at large, to avoid any further industrial action.
The NECA boss said the effects of strikes on private sector businesses were unimaginable.
He noted that private sector businesses were going through a lot to stay afloat so a strike is not what the government should ever allow to happen.
According to him, “Anything that would compromise our ability to continue to pay salaries, I think should be taken into consideration so you don’t compromise the ability of the business to meet its obligations to its creditors.
“Imagine a business that has borrowed from the banks in naira or dollars, when we go on strike, payment of interest does not go on strike, or payment of tax to the government.
“Workers will also expect to be paid salaries during the period. Strike is not for us as it would further cripple businesses.
“It would also compound the businesses’ problems and also compound the realities of job security and salaries payment for the employees.”
Mr. Oyerinde also commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fix the economy and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and organised businesses.
Yesterday, the Nigerian Government and organised labour (NLC, TUC) reached an agreement to prevent the scheduled strike for October 3, 2023.
Organised labour announced this in a communique issued on the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Nigerian government, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress over disputes arising from the withdrawal of Subsidy on the price of Premium Motor Spirit.
The parties to the communique also committed to a joint visitation to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.
They further agreed that all parties will henceforth abide by the dictates of social dialogue in all future engagements.
The organized labour and government representatives also approved that the mutually signed memorandum shall be filed with the relevant court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the federal government.
Following the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the federal government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress issued a strike notice which had since elapsed.
The unions further affirmed their positions to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.
Consequently, a meeting was called by the federal government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:
The federal government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning in September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, TUC President, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo and Comrade Nuhu A. Toro Secretary General signed on behalf of the Organised Labour.
While on the federal government team the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha And the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris signed the communique.
