The Federal Government and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have agreed on a two-week window to address some of the grievances of the Congress, after a meeting with the leadership of the Congress, led by its President, Festus Osifo.
A statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Olajide Oshundun, the meeting was convened by the Minister to resolve TUC’s and Nigeria Labour Congress’ differences with government and to avert the pending warning strike by organised labour.
According to Lalong, the issues for which a two-week timeline was set for their resolution include wage award for federal civil servants to cushion the effect of rising poverty among them, and tax exemption for a certain level of workers, both in the public and private sectors among others.
On his part, the President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, stated that the two-week timeline was reasonable, as it would give the government ample time to address the issues, stating that their demands include resolving the impasse between Lagos State Government and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), increasing the amount provided for palliative as the sum of N5billion allocated per state is inadequate to meet the needs of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Minister had implored Nigeria Labour Congress to suspend its planned two-day warning strike scheduled for 5th and 6th September, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already recorded by the government in securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens.
