Following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given the Federal Government to provide palliatives to cushion the pains associated with the recent fuel subsidy removal, State chapters and affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are beginning to gear up for a possible declaration of a nationwide strike.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the organised labour had a fortnight ago embarked on a two-day warning strike to press home its demands.
After the warning strike, the NLC gave the government a 21-day ultimatum within which to meet its demands.
Following the expiration of the ultimatum on Friday, the NLC has scheduled an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council for Tuesday at noon.
The council’s next line of action is expected to be decided at the virtual meeting.
In a notice of the meeting dated September 22, 2023, sighted by Africa Today News, New York, the congress’ General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, told the Presidents, General Secretaries and Treasurers of its affiliates that ‘Your attendance (at the meeting) will be of utmost importance.’
Read Also: Indefinite Strike Looms As NLC’s Ultimatum Expires Today
Ahead of the meeting, however, state chapters of the NLC told Sunday PUNCH on Saturday that they were ready to mobilise full participation if the NEC declared a strike on Tuesday.
This is just as Africa Today News, New York gathered on Saturday evening that as part of its last-minute moves to prevent a strike, the Federal Government may meet with labour leaders again this week.
‘Yes, the government delegation will meet with them maybe on Monday. The idea is to ensure that we prevent the strike. The nation cannot afford a shutdown of its economy at this time,’ a government source said.
Another government source told reporters that the FG will continue to appeal for understanding from the labour leaders.