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NUPENGG

Strike: NUPENG mobilses members to shut down on Oct. 3

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Lagos, Sept. 29, 2023: The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has directed its members in the formal and informal sector of the oil and gas industry to shut down services effective Oct. 3, 2023.

NUPENG’s President, Mr Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, gave the direction in a statement on Thursday.

“Consequent upon the joint resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as the outcome of the joint NEC meeting of the two Labour Federation, held on 26th September,

2O23.

“We wish to inform all our members in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigeria oil and gas industry and alert the general public that the rank and file members of our union are hereby directed to commence full mobilisation.

“Also ensure an unwavering compliance with the directive of the two labour centres to all affiliate industrial unions to embark on a nationwide industrial action from midnight of 3rd October, 2023, “ the duo said.

It stated that all NUPENG members, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, Petrol Stations Workers, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers, and all other allied workers in the value chain of petroleum products distribution must comply with the directive from midnight of Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Both leaders said the union was aware of the huge impact a 24 hours industrial action by the organised labour could have on businesses and socio-economic lives of the nation.

“Unfortunately, the government’s actions and inactions are inextricably forcing the organised labour to take this very hard and painful route of last resort to demand for needful socio-economic policies to ameliorate and cushion the debilitating and dehumanising living conditions of Nigerians generally, “ the leaders said.

NLC and TUC had in a joint conference held on Sept. 26, 2023 declared an indefinite strike across the country on Oct. 3, 2023 in protest against government’s delay in providing palliatives to cushion the economic hardship resulting from the fuel subsidy removal.

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NLC, TUC resolve to embark on indefinite strike from Oct. 3

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Abuja, Sept. 27, 2023: The Organised labour has resolved to embark on an indefinite strike from Oct. 3, over the prevailing hardship due to the removal of oil subsidy.

Mr Festus Osifo, President Trade Union Congress (TUC), said this in a communique, he jointly signed with Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The communique was issued at the end of a joint National Executive Council meeting of the two unions.

According to Osifo, “the strike is to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria; to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation.”

He said the NLC/TUC NEC-in-session, resolved as follows – “to embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours, Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023.

“To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

“To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilizing accordingly for action to organize street protests and rallies until Government responds positively to our demands,” he said.

He also enjoined all patriotic Nigerians to join hands across the nation to assist this government put the people back at the centre of its policies and programmes.

Ajaero, however, said that labour and government agreed that there was massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol.

He added that this demands an urgent need for remedial action.

He also alleged that the government had totally abdicated its responsibility and had shown gross unwillingness to act, abandoning Nigerian people and workers to excruciating poverty and affliction.

According to him, the federal government has continued to grandstand and forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organised labour.

“The government has continued to demonstrate not just an unwillingness to mitigate the massive hardship in the country.

“But also a complete lack of intention to take positive steps and empathy for the multi-dimensionally impoverished citizens of Nigeria, among others,” he said.

NLC pangs

NLC urges workers to return to work

Abuja, Sept. 7, 2023: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on workers to returned to work on Thursday,  as the two-day warning strike  called by the Congress has ended.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said on Wednesday in Abuja  titled, “The two-day Nationwide Warning Strike: Nigerian Workers Have Spoken”, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workers had embarked on a two-day nationwide strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, over unfulfilled agreements by the Federal Government on petrol subsidy removal.

The decision by the Labour grounded economic and commercial activities in several states of the Federation.

Ajaero , while commending all, for their commitment noted  that significant strides was made in achieving the goals set by the National Executive Council (NEC), meeting which prompted the initiation of the warning strike.

According to him, it is abundantly clear that our united message has resonated loudly with the government, and it would take a truly inattentive ear not to hear it.

“As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight.

“We earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow, in accordance with our initial agreement.

“We would like to take this moment to express our profound appreciation for your unwavering determination and dedication, which played a pivotal role in the resounding success of this action.

“Your contributions during this warning strike exemplify your unwavering commitment to our shared cause,”he said.

He said that in the event that the government failed to provide the appropriate responses to the demands, the Congress encourage all to maintain thei steadfast resolve.

He added that, the same passion and determination that fueled this warning strike will be crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

The NLC president therefore, commended all affiliates, state councils, and esteemed members for their unwavering support and active participation in the  two-day nationwide warning strike.

“This collective effort was undertaken to emphasize our strong conviction that the government should prioritise the welfare of our citizens and adhere to our established statutes.

“Congress is not unmindful of the actions of detractors and fifth columnists but in the face of them all,.

“We remain undaunted and more committed to the defense of Nigerian workers and people at any given time. Our nation deserves better.

” Together, we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voice of the people is heard and that our country moves in the right direction,”he said.

NLC pangs

NLC’s planned strike in public interest, not against Court’s order – Falana

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Abuja, July 31, 2023: The Falana Chambers, solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said the labour does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court over strike.

Mr Sam Ogala Esq. said this on Sunday in Abuja in a letter titled “Re- NLC in contempt of Court” and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor-General, Federal Ministry of Justice on July 28.

According to him, the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies is for the interest of the masses and to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country.

“You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.

“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court.

“And to the effect that “the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 5th June 2023.”

Ogala added that the National Industrial Court or any other Court had not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC.

He argued that it was the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully and cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an Industrial action or strike of any nature.

“You ought not have threatened our client with contempt of court.

“It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector- General of Polic vs Nigeria People Party (2008) of where the Court 12 WRN 65, where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit in the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye.

“This includes the right to demonstrate, and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.

“If as speculated by law enforcement agents, that breach of the peace will occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order.

“So that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.”

He added that, finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the country.

“Our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.

“Having advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020.

“Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to.

“The police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilise personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession,” he said.

nlc-tuc

Fuel Subsidy: NLC’s planned strike in contempt of court

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Abuja, July 27, 2023: Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice says the notice of strike action issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is in contempt of the order of the National Industrial Court.

Jedy-Agba disclosed this in a statement she issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

She drew the attention of the  members of the NLC and the general public to the pendency of SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR before the National Industrial Court.

“His Lordship, J Anuwe, had on June 5, 2023 granted an injunctive order restraining NLC and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice.

“The motion on notice is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court and the said Motion on Notice is still pending”.

She noted that the issues of removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living, etc which precipitated the above court action are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice.

“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN.

“It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court”.

Jedy-Agba noted with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC President against the court.

“Indeed, the avowed penchant of the leadership of the union for casting aspersions on the Judiciary is quite worrisome and concerning.

“Aside the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the Federal and State Governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.

“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.

“We, therefore, urge NLC to allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences,” she advised.

On June 5, the National Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Abuja restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from embarking on their planned strike to protest the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe, barred the two organizations from proceeding with the strike action, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by FG.

The court held that the interim order, as well as the substantive suit, should be immediately served on both the NLC and the TUC, which were cited as defendants/respondents in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, even it fixed the matter for hearing on June 19.

The court order followed an ex-parte application that FG filed through the Federal Ministry of Justice.

FG’s lawyer, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who moved the application, maintained that the proposed strike action was capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.

FG further tendered Exhibits FGN 1, 2 and 3, which were notices from the NLC, TUC and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to their members, asking them to withdraw their services with effect from Wednesday, June 7.

The court, in its ruling, held that it was empowered by section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, with the exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lockout or any industrial action.

It held that sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006, also empowered it to grant urgent interim reliefs.

The court held that the affidavit of urgency as well as the submission of FG’s lawyer revealed: “a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large”.

strike in tunsair

Resident doctors begin strike over welfare

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Abuja, July 26, 2023: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have embarked on indefinite industrial action.

National President of the association, Dr Innocent Orji, made this known at the late hours of Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the major demands of the association are immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF, immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement and payment of skipping arrears.

Others are upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS and payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum wage to the omitted doctors.

Also demanded was the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

He also said that the association was demanding the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), new hazard allowance, skipping and implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions and payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.

NAN reports that the association had in a communique on July 5 after its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council Meeting (E-NEC), issued fresh notice to the Federal Government to meet its demands within two weeks or risk industrial disharmony in the health sector.

The communique was signed jointly by NARD’s National President, the Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Umar Musa.

Members of the association embarked on a five-day warning strike on May 17 urging the Federal Government to address its concerns before May 29 otherwise there would be industrial disharmony.

The industrial action was embarked upon after the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on April 29 expired May 13 without the issues being addressed.

Members of the association however suspended the strike on May 21.

To avert the fresh industrial action which would take effect on Wednesday (July 26), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas on Monday urged the resident doctors to suspend the impeding strike.

Abbas made the call at a meeting between the leadership of the House and NARD in Abuja.

He said, “I would urge you to suspend the impending industrial action while we intervene, and seek your understanding of the fact that a new administration just came on board.

He further said that the adminsitration was still in the process of settling down as Ministers were yet to assume office.

He said NARD’s decision to meet with the House was an affirmation of their faith and confidence in the House capacity to intervene and resolve the lingering issues in dispute.

Courtsentence

Court restrains NLC, TUC from embarking on planned strike

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Abuja, June 5: The National Industrial Court on Monday granted an order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on their planned Wednesday industrial action.

Justice Olufunke Anuwe also ordered that there should not be strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.

The court in addition ordered that the defendants be served immediately with the processes in the suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of the court.

The court further fixed the matter until June 19, for hearing.

From facts, the judge made the order sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the applicants, Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice.

The applicants had submitted that the proposed strike action is capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.

They claim that the strike may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large.

Counsel to FG, Maimuna Shiru also submitted that students of secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams will be affected and that the Tertiary institutions who just resumed after eight months ASUU strike will also be affected.

The application also stated that the strike will affect the health sector amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.

The respondents have declared that they will embark on nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest the fuel subsidy removal that brought about the new pump price for the Premium Motor Spirit.

NLC-9

NLC orders nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would begin a nationwide strike on Wednesday over the current increase in the pump price.

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Friday.

Ajaero said that Labour would embark on strike if the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) fails to revert the current template on the increase in the price of fuel occasioned by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

“Consequently, NLC has decided that If by Wednesday, the NNPCL, a private Limited Liability Company, that illegally announced the price regime in the oil sector, refuses to revert itself for negotiation to continue, the Nigeria Labour Congress and all its affiliates will withdraw their services and commence protest nationwide until this is complied with.

“The NNPCL does not have the monopoly to fix prices even as a private company.

“The NLC, therefore, directs all its state councils and industrial unions to commence mobilisation from this moment to make sure that the action is carried out,’’ he said.

Ajaero also said that the ongoing negotiation between the NLC and Federal Government might not produce any meaningful result until President Bola Tinubu constitutes his cabinet.

He said that it was important that the NLC entered into negotiation with properly constituted government that would see that any decision taken would be binding on it.

According to him, it is instructive that until a government is properly constituted and the people who will negotiate with labour are such people with mandate and capacity to commit the government of the day, such negotiations may not be valid.

The NLC president, however, said that hence, there was need to revert to the old pump price of petrol as a necessity for labour to continue its engagement with the government.

He also called for a wholistic investigation into the fuel subsidy regime to determine the beneficiaries of what he described as the fraud in the system.

Ajaero added that this should have been tackled by the current government, rather than going ahead to withdraw subsidy entirely.

NNPCL had recently announced a new pump price for petrol ranging from N488 to N570 per liter depending on the region of the country.

Maritime

MWUN notice: ANLCA says shutting down port will cripple economy

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The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) says the planned shutting down of Nigerian ports by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) will cripple the country’s economy.

ANLCA’s Acting President, Dr Kayode Farinto, on Tuesday in Lagos, urged the Federal Government to prevent such from happening.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, ordered MWUN to shut down the nation’s seaports and terminals over long unresolved issues with government agencies and operators in the sector.

A 14-day strike notice was given to the federal government to this effect.

The notice was over the refusal of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to obey Marine Notice of 2014 and extant Stevedoring regulations, government’s refusal to pay aged seafarers monthly pension in spite of court ruling, among other grievances.

The strike notice took effect on March 6, and was issued to the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, and his Labour and Employment counterpart, Sen. Chris Ngige.

According to Farinto, government should not forget that the President-General of MWUN, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, is now the Vice-President of the NLC.

“My advice to government is to listen to them because not listening will cripple the economy of the country.

“This will tell us now that going forward, labour is now becoming more powerful than they used to be.

“The call in the port now, NLC will join them and that means it will not be in the maritime industry alone, they can decide to say every worker should not go to work,” he said.

Farinto stated that if the ports were shut down, cargo would not be able to move out of the port, adding that the adverse effect would be enormous.

He said: “It is better for it not to happen, and we pray the union is being listened to.

“I know the government is listening, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Nigerian Shippers’ Council will have to move, to see how to address the issue.

“I just want to believe that Adeyanju is our man and a grassroots one. Except where necessary, or where the government refused to listen, I know he will want to do something.

“This will have an adverse effect on the economy and I just don’t want to imagine what will happen.

“We should not be talking about this right now, it is too early in the year.”

Boeing New Plane

Nigeria moves to avert strike in aviation industry

The Federal Government has started moves to avert the impending nationwide strike by aviation workers.

Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this at a meeting with  the officials of the Ministry of Aviation and the aviation workers unions on Monday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the aviation workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), threatened to withdraw their services by Feb. 8, over alleged poor welfare and unimplemented agreements with the government.

Ngige, who commended the aviation workers for the matured way they went about their matter, said that they acted in the spirit of labour conciliation.

He noted that the aviation workers gave the necessary warning to his ministry, but they resolved that their parent ministry should first engage with them.

”I am happy that the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation reported that they met with you, but there are two major areas that they could not reach agreement with you.

”Therefore, you had to escalate the matter by issuing an ultimatum to close the entire air space. I can see that all of you are here, both the traffic controllers and engineers.

”We thought there may be some openings in the air space, but I can see that all of you are united.

”I can assure you that we are going to reach agreements here and some of the agreements will be reached with the speed of a flash and we will get back to them,” he said.

Ngige, however, noted that a conciliation agreement was entered into between NUATE with officials of his ministry, in which they agreed on March 31 as the timeline for the consummation, wondering why such an agreement exists and it is now as if they are  on a steeplechase.

”But that is not the issue now. I know about your complaints and that is why I called all the stakeholders, including the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

”I had discussed most of the issues with your employers, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary and we decided on a line of action. It is that this government, the President in particular, does not believe that we can disengage people.

”The President does not believe a worker is not due his remunerations in terms of salaries and allowances. That is why nobody can complain that we are owing salaries.

”Some allowances that have not been fine-tuned, once fine-tuned, the government will pay because the President was a wage earning person all through his military career.

”That is why he does not deal with anything pertaining to anybody being owed for work done,” he said.

He added that as long as he is the Minister of Labour, no government agency will owe anybody salaries and confirmed allowances.

”If you cannot pay all, the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations allow you to do ability to pay at the time in question so that you can stagger payment. But, we will agree on things today, put timelines on them and it will be done,” Ngige said.

Also speaking, Mr Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, said that the agitation for the rights and privileges of workers is lawful and acceptable, especially under the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister, however, described the agitation as something in-house between the ministry and its parastatals.

He said that such could be dealt with, hoping that the leadership of the unions would go back to their members with something that they would be happy about.

Also, speaking on behalf of the aviation unions, Mr Ahmadu Ilitrus, the National President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), called for urgent measures to address their demands.

He noted that since 2019 when the Minimum Wage Bill was signed, no worker from the Aviation Ministry has benefitted from it.

He said many of the aviation workers left service without benefitting from it, urging the Government to ensure that those who deserved the payment are paid.

He also called for the approval and release of the reviewed conditions of service for aviation workers.

He appealed to the government to address the issue of suppression of unionisation in the aviation industry.

The meeting, which commenced by 6pm was ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

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