The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a stern warning to the federal government and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), demanding that the recent electricity tariff hike be reversed and the new minimum wage negotiations be completed by May 31.
Failure to satisfy these demands, the unions warn, will lead to a statewide walkout.
Both the NLC and the TUC have started to mobilize their civil society partners in preparation for a possible strike action. In a united declaration issued on Monday, the labor unions reiterated their unyielding position, giving the administration till the end of May to answer their concerns.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are fully prepared to take decisive action if the federal government and NERC do not reverse the electricity tariff hike and finalize the new minimum wage by May 31,” declared the communiqué. “This ultimatum is non-negotiable.”
This call to action comes as there is increasing unhappiness among Nigerian workers over rising living expenses and economic concerns.
The unions’ demands reflect a larger dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic policies that directly affect the lives of millions of Nigerians.
As the deadline approaches, the country waits for the government’s reaction to avoid a major national disturbance. The unions’ mobilization activities demonstrate the severity of their intentions, paving the way for a confrontation if their demands are not realized.
Details to come…