Labour union grounds fuel, flight, electricity operations in Imo, vows to begin nationwide strike Tuesday

The Organised Labour has demanded that its members cease operations immediately and close Imo State permanently.

Labour unions stated that the choice to start an industrial action in Imo State was entirely consistent with their previous resolution.

They further stated that the government, led by Hope Uzodinma, has persisted in abusing the rights and privileges of workers in the state because it has declined to carry out previous agreements made with the union regarding the welfare of its members.

Members of the union have also instructed public and private employees throughout the federation to follow suit by Tuesday, November 14, at midnight, in the event that their requests are not met.

The declaration was made in a communique issued and co-signed by Adewale Adeyanj, Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The decision was taken following a joint National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja yesterday.

WesternPost reported how the federal government agreed on a 30-day implementation schedule for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FG and labour unions.

It would be recalled that due to the ongoing hardship brought on by the removal of the fuel subsidy, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced in September that they will begin an indefinite strike on October 3.

The nationwide strike that was set to begin on October 3 was, however, halted on October 2 by the two labour unions and a coalition of other unions leaders.

Labour had said on Friday that it will go on a statewide strike in response to the detention and abuse of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri during a rally.

The labour centres imposed conditions on the strikers, which included the following: the arrest and prompt prosecution of Mr. Nwaneri Chinasa, Uzodinma’s aid; the investigation and deployment of the Commissioner of Police in Imo; the dismissal of the Area Commander of the Police and all other Officers and Men in Owerri, through whom the Commissioner of Police oversaw the attack.

They also demanded the prompt fulfillment of all previously signed industrial relations agreements, the immediate return of all lost property, and an immediate, impartial, and comprehensive professional medical evaluation of each and every victim of the attack.

The Union statement reads, “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NIC) and the Trade Union Congress ofNigeria (TUC) joint National Executive Council (NEC) convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the progress made in executing its directive to initiate an industrial action in Imo state.

“This decision was prompted by a series of infractions and encroachments on the rights of workers within the state. During the meeting, the council deliberated on the distressing incident involving the abduction and assault of the NIC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

“Additionally, the council addressed the appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon him and fellow workers, who had assembled at the NIC Imo State Secretariat in compliance with the directive on Imo State. These acts were perpetrated by the Imo State government, acting under the guidance of the governor and in collaboration with the Nigeria Police. The Joint NEC-in-session unanimously condemned in very strong terms the brutal and beastly actions of Hope Uzodimma, his goons and the Nigeria Police.

“To this end, the joint NC/TUC NEC-in-session observed that whereas: “The decision to embark on an industrial action in Imo state was purely in keeping with our earlier resolution; the Imo state Government under Hope Uzodimma heartlessly continues in its abuse of the rights and privileges of workers in the state as well as Refusal to Implement Previous Agreements.

“Consequently, the NIC/TUC NEC-in-Session resolved a s follows: To order the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo state beginning midnight today. All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are.

“All flights into and out of Imo state, fuel supplies and Electricity be stopped immediately as applicable. All Public and Private Sector workers are to immediately down tools indefinitely.

“That if our demands are still unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by Midnight Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023. All State Councils of NLC and TUC and affiliates are mandated by this resolution to ensure full compliance with NEC’s decision.”