Lalong Begs NLC To Shelve Strike, Says I’ve Met One Of Your Demands

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to paralyse the economy of the country with its proposed indefinite strike, saying he has already resolved one of the most critical demands of the congress.

Lalong made the appeal in the wake of conclusion of members of the NLC across 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to meet on Tuesday to decide on whether to declare a total shutdown of the economy.

OSUN DDEFENDER had reported that the NLC during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 31 threatened to embark on a total and indefinite strike if their demands were not met.

Lalong while speaking with newsmen on Monday night, through the spokesperson of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, said, so far he was able to deliver on the first promise which was the release of the detained members of the executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), he would also work and deliver on other demands.

He said the ministry took the welfare of workers very seriously, adding that they never relaxed in ensuring that a good working environment is provided for workers across the length and breadth of the country.

According to Oshundun, “We have not stopped on our roles. The federal government has not relegated its roles and responsibilities in ensuring a peaceful working environment and the government has been appealing to the NLC to give some little time for the issues to be resolved.

“You would recall that when the NLC delegation came, the first two major items on their list was the release of the NURTW members of executive that were arrested and detained. The second one is the wage award.

“The Honourable minister promised them and he delivered on the first one. He personally visited the office of the Inspector-General of Police twice last week and secured the release of the detained NURTW workers.

“In fact, today (Monday), the released officers, led by their Chairman, Tajudeen Baruwa, came to the the ministry to appreciate the two ministers because two of them jointly visited the IGP.

“So, the federal government is reaching out to labour to appeal to them, to give the government a few more weeks. A pronouncement would be made with the regard to the second issue which is the wage award.”

• Kazeem Badmus