The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have mandated all workers in the state to resume at the state secretariat of the NLC, Ibadan, for what they described as the largest congress in the state.
Arising from a meeting held on Thursday, the labour centres said the directive followed the expiration of the ultimatum it served on the state government to attend to yearnings for improvements in welfare packages and entitlements of workers in the wake of the removal of petrol subsidies.
The Nigerian Tribune Newspaper reports that the directive, as contained in a statement after the meeting signed by NLC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Martins, and his TUC counterpart, Bosun Olabiyi, directed all workers to pack all their belongings from the office on Friday.
According to the statement, further action on the workers’ agitation would be drawn from the resolution of the Congress.
Pensioners under the platform of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) are also expected to join the Congress.
The statement read: “Our struggle for workers’ rights and social justice will not be deterred by acts of tyranny.
Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a just and equitable society, where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld and protected.
“After the expiration of the ultimatum served on the state government, which has yet to offer a lasting solution to our grievances, all workers should pick up all their personal belongings from the office on Friday, November 3, 2023, and pensioners in the state are to resume at NLC Secretariat Agodi Gate on Monday, November 6, 2023, for the largest congress in the history of Oyo State for further directive.”
In the statement, the labour centres also condemned Wednesday’s attack on the president of the NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
The union described the incident as an “affront to the fundamental rights and liberties of the Nigerian labour force and an alarming manifestation of the tyrannical tendencies displayed by some state governments towards the labour movement.
“It is evident that the principles of social justice and the rights of workers are being disregarded in some quarters.
We strongly assert that the Labour movement is a vital pillar of our democracy and must be allowed to function without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“In conclusion, we, the Oyo State NLC and TUC, wish to make it clear that we will not take this attack on the National President of the NLC or any Labour Leader lightly.
“We stand resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers in Oyo State and throughout Nigeria.
“We call upon the labour community, civil society organisations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this act and demanding justice; only constructive negotiations that would lead to agreements and implementation can lead to good governance.”
