N/Grid Shutdown: Labour Overstepped Their Bounds, They Should Be Thankful We’re Not In Military Regime – Presidency
The presidency has tackled the organised labour for shutting down critical economic infrastructure during the recent industrial action, stressing that their demands are unrealistic.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), enjoy much freedom because Nigeria is not under a military regime saying “labour should be thankful we’re not in a military regime”
Featuring on TVC, Onanuga said labour should not have shut down the airports and national grid to enforce a nationwide strike.
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On Monday, the organized labour embarked on strike to push for an improved pay package.
The strike was, however, called off after the Nigerian Government and labour agreed to increase the minimum wage and continue further negotiations.
Labour demanded N494,000 while the government proposed N60,000, but the agreement reached might see the latter paying between N60,000 to N100,000.
However, Onanuga urged labour to be responsible in their demands.
According to Onanuga: “Labour should view itself as a partner with the Federal Government, not as an adversary to the Federal Government.
“Labour should be thankful to God that we are not in a military regime. We are in a civilian regime that allows for freedom of expression.
“I think that labour overstepped their bounds by shutting down the national grid. At a time when we are complaining about the lack of power, I think that act is extreme. You’re not supposed to shut down the airports on everyone else. Joining the strike should be voluntary.
“I will appeal to labour to be more responsible in their reaction. They cannot be asking for what they are asking for. It is unrealistic.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
