The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to workers planning to participate in the indefinite strike declared by labour unions, outlining potential legal consequences, including a six-month jail term.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), delivered the cautionary statement on Sunday.
Fagbemi emphasised that under Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act, employees engaged in essential services are mandated to provide their employers with a 15-day notice prior to ceasing their services.
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a fine or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.
He underscored the critical nature of the 15-day notice, referencing Sections 41 and 42(1)(b) of the Act, which criminalise non-compliance with this provision.
The federal government, Fagbemi noted, has been actively engaging with stakeholders within the tripartite committee to establish a new national minimum wage and has not ceased negotiations.
Additionally, the Attorney General pointed out that the proposed strike violates an order from the National Industrial Court and disrupts ongoing mediation efforts related to the issues addressed by the court order.
“You are further invited to recall the pendency of the interim injunctive order granted on June 5, 2023, in suit no. NICN/ABJ/158/2023—FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR VV. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR, which order restrained both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” he said.
“While the government assures that it will continue to adopt a conciliatory approach to resolving matters pertaining to workers’ and citizens’ welfare in the spirit of collective bargaining, I would like to urge you to kindly reconsider the declaration of strike action and return to the ongoing negotiation meetings, which have been adjourned to a date to be communicated to parties.
“This would be a more civil and patriotic approach and will enable your Congress to pursue its cause within the ambit of the law and avoid foisting avoidable hardships on the generality of Nigerians, which this proposed industrial action is bound to cause.”
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