LP backs proposed workers strike
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed its support for the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), saying the presidency has been insensitive to the plight of Nigerian workers.
The planned industrial action is coming against the backdrop of the organised labour’s resolve to ground activities nationwide from October 3 following the failure of the government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of the masses after the removal of fuel subsidy.
The LP, in a statement on Wednesday, by Obiora Ifoh, its National Publicity Secretary, said it fully supports the resolution of the NLC and TUC to embark on an industrial action slated to commence from Tuesday, October 3rd.
The party justified its support for the industrial action on the ground that the Federal Government is not making any to address the issues of concern, adding that it has followed with keen interest, in the last four months, various meetings between organized labour and various government bodies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians, following the removal of fuel subsidy
The party cited the organised labour meetings with the President of the Senate, the presidency, the ministers of Labour as well as all the efforts made by the Labour leadership to get the government to understand the magnitude of sufferings government policies have thrown Nigerian Workers and the entire populace into since the enthronement of this administration.
The party added however , that it is not in any way surprised at the government’s apparent indifference, insensitivity, intransigence, and recalcitrant posture towards the genuine demands of the Labour bodies because “their usurpation of power was not sanctioned by both the workers and generality of Nigerians. Nigerians went to the polls with clear conviction of the government they wanted.
He noted that the workers were “denied through institutional conspiracy”, adding that” today, Nigerian workers are being punished for taking a stand during the February 25 Presidential Election.
“Labour Party is also aware of the sordid conditions which workers, the majority of them being our members, are subjected to, whereby many of them go to the office on a Monday and are forced by the prevailing economic challenges, to sleep in their offices all through to Friday before they return home.
“Labour Party is surprised that the government claimed that it has removed subsidies on Petroleum products and that it now generates over a trillion naira monthly, yet it finds it difficult to address workers’ demands.
“Daily, Nigerians are subjected to harsh economic realities where the inflation rate is nearing 30 percent, where a dollar is sold above N1000, and where par-capital income has depreciated. Many families are withdrawing their wards from schools over a hike in school fees, while criminal activities are surging daily.
“We think that the Nigerian workers have shown enough patience and understanding.
” We are also using this medium to inform all our members and supporters to stock their homes with their necessary needs ahead of a long-drawn mass action until victory is ascertained.”
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