The Federal Government is in a frantic search for a bridge with the demands of Organised Labour, to avert another workers strike, as the 21-day ultimatum for the delivery of reliefs expires Friday, September 22.
This follows a deadlocked meeting Monday, between Labour and Employment Minister, Solomon Lalong, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero and other officials of the labour ministry and the unions.
Lalong had earlier lamented that Labour’s recent strikes were further hurting the already ailing economy.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are demanding that the Federal Government carry out a wage review to counter balance the the impact of inflation on the cost of goods and services.
They are further demanding the implementation of palliatives to cushion the inflationary trends which came in the wake of the removal of the fuel subsidy regime and the free float of the naira, by President Bola Tinubu, on his inauguration into office on May 29.
Other demans include tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers.
NLC President, Ajaero, says the recent arbitrary arrests and detention of some officials of the union by security operatives, is not helping matters.
The meeting between Lalong and labour, failed to make headway, as labour insisted that government must meet its demands before the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued on September 1.
In pursuit of its objectives, the NLC had called workers to a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, paralysing work and business activities across the nation.
At the end of Monday’s meeting, both parties pledged to find solutions to the demands presented before government before the expiration of the deadline.
Lalong said: “Our meeting was very robust. It was a fruitful meeting. Many of the items presented by labour are still under consideration before the final agreement or discussions.”
He added that government must however promote economic growth and secure sustainable progress for the nation, as it attempts to address the demands of Labour.
Ajaero likewise agreed that the meeting had been fruitful.
He however added: “On the other issue, you can see that there is no agreement or implementation on any. There is no CNG anywhere. Refineries are not working. No agreement on wage award. Those are the issues we believe that something will happen before the ultimatum expires. It is possible that something will happen.’’
He further explained, “We had a convivial deliberation with the minister and we hope that even if it is remaining one day, we will get to the root of all these problems. Whenever we are invited, we will be there. Both parties will work towards the realisation of these objectives before the last minute of the ultimatum.
