Labour Leaders Raise Alarm Over Insecurity, Consider Strike Option

Organised labour has threatened a nationwide shutdown over the rising tide of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.

The warning was said to have been issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a joint briefing at the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The security crisis, they said, had become a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods and productivity of Nigerian workers.

The unions say that workers throughout the country are increasingly bearing insecurity.

Many Nigerians, they said, cannot travel safely, conduct business or go about their daily activities without fear of attacks.

Labour leaders have warned that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful economic growth and improved workers’ welfare if communities remain under siege by armed groups and criminal networks.

They said organised labour would not rule out industrial action if authorities failed to show greater commitment to protecting lives and property.

They urged the federal and state governments to prioritize security and economic stability.

The unions said that failure to address growing concerns of workers could lead to a more powerful response from organised labour.

Labour opposes N100,000 salary demand
The labour centres also debunked reports that talks were on-going on a proposed N100,000 minimum wage.

They said some comments from state governors were misleading.

NLC and TUC officials said the reports were not representative of the current state of engagements on workers’ welfare and remuneration.

They said no agreement had been reached on such a figure.