…Parties meet on June 19 for implementation of demands over fuel subsidy removal
In what can be considered as a proactive step to prevent ‘Aluta Continua’ by labour unions nationwide, the Federal Government’s constructive engagement has paid off as the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), slated for Wednesday over the fuel subsidy removal has been called off on Monday night.
But the development came after a six hours horse trading meeting that led to the resolution of engagement between the Federal Government, NLC and the TUC to resolve the contentious issues associated with the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol).
The nationwide strike was also averted, following the engagements between the Federal Government, TUC and the NLC with the intervention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, to resolve the disputes arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS.
It is also instructive to note that during the tripartite meeting at the Presidential Villa, the Federal Government, NLC and the TUC agreed to meet on June 19 for the implementation of demands over the fuel subsidy removal.
The following resolutions between the parties were consequently reached after the tripartite meeting:
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labor centers in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“ The Labour centers and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centers and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country. 7. All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the join committee.
“Consequently, the parties agreed that the NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations.
“The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above”.
