The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC have released their strike bullet No1 urging all their affiliate members across Nigeria to abandon their duty posts for their homes following the commencement of the workers' nationwide strike on Monday.
In the strike bullet, copied to both the National and State Chapters of the unions, organized labour leadership said the strike action began following the inability of the government to sign the new minimum wage into law before the deadline.
"Recall that on the 1st of May 2024 during the Workers’day celebration we declared the 31st of May as the deadline for the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)to sign the new National minimum wage into law for effective implementation.
"This was further reiterated at the emergency National Executive Council meetings of NLC and TUC held on 20th, 2024 and a communique issued in that regard."
The Unions added: "Following the expiration of the deadlines, the FGN failed to listen to the genuine demands of the Organised Labour including signing and implementing a new national minimum wage before the deadline of 31st May 2024.
"To reverse the over 300%hikein the price of electricity for some citizens in the so-called Band “A” is a product of consumer apartheid within the same country.
"As a result of the above, we have been directed to embark on nationwide indefinite strike action with effect from 00:00hrs of the 3rd day of June 2024 to press home these key demands that are designed to improve the quality of life of every worker and everyday people of Nigeria.
"Consequently, you are directed to remain in your homes and on no occasion shall any Comrade violate this directive NLC and because indeed, they must let the poor, the ordinary Nigerian
workerbreathe.
"Remember, “United we Bargain, divided we Beg”. And we shall not beg!"
Recall that there have been several reactions from social media users after the Federal Government said that any worker who joins the nationwide will risk six months of imprisonment.
This statement was contained in a report that was published by Daily Trust.
This is coming after the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC held a meeting with members of the National Assembly and the Federal Government.
Speaking after the meeting, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi warned all workers not to embark on the protests or else they would risk a six-month jail term.
Fagbemi said Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act requires a worker employed in any essential services to give their employer 15 days' notice before ceasing their services and any who did not comply would be liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for six months.
However, after the report surfaced online, there were several reactions from social media users.
