Strike: Be thankful we’re not in military regime – Presidency Tackles NLC, TUC
In a recent statement, the Presidency has taken a firm stance against the actions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasizing that the organized labour should be grateful for the democratic freedoms they enjoy in the current civilian regime. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Onanuga, expressed concerns over the unrealistic demands made by the labour unions and suggested that their recent actions were excessive.
The remarks came in response to the nationwide strike initiated by the organized labour to advocate for an improved pay package. While the strike was called off following negotiations with the government, disagreements persisted over the proposed wage increase. The labour unions had demanded N494,000, while the government's proposal ranged between N60,000 to N100,000.
Mr. Onanuga urged the labour unions to adopt a more moderate approach and emphasized the need for responsible demands. He criticized the shutdown of airports and the national power grid, arguing that such actions were extreme and disrupted essential services for the public.
Addressing the relationship between labour and the Federal Government, Mr. Onanuga called for a partnership dynamic rather than an adversarial one. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the freedoms afforded by the democratic system and cautioned against actions that could undermine the stability and functioning of vital infrastructure.
As the dialogue between the government and organized labour continues, the call for mutual understanding and responsible engagement remains at the forefront, with both sides seeking to reach a sustainable resolution that benefits all parties involved.