Ogun workers’ crisis: NULGE backs strike, calls for national protest

Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has declared total support for the striking workers in Ogun State and said it would back any national action against the state government in solidarity with the workers.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, President of NULGE, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to call for a national protest against the government of Ogun State over anti-labour practices.

He called on NLC and the TUC to storm Ogun State and help the workers against the onslaught of the state government against them.

Comrade Khaleel, who is also the National Treasurer of the NLC, said both the NLC and the TUC have taken same step against the governments of some states, which included Imo, Nasarawa, and also mediated in a similar situation in Osun and Oyo states.

After what they described as “last warning,” following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum, workers in the state, under the state chapters of NLC and TUC, as well as the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, last week resumed its earlier strike which was suspended in March.

The workers demands included “Immediate payment of outstanding 12 months unions’ check-off dues, outright stoppage of contributory pension deductions, and immediate payment of 12 months of deductions, which included (bank loans’ repayment, co-operatives’ savings, Ileya/festivals savings, and gradual payment of retiree gratuity).”

The NULGE president regretted that information at their disposal revealed that thugs allegedly used by government officials attacked the labour leaders and some union members who gathered to prosecute the commencement of the strike.

“NULGE members in all the states of the federation will be ready to back any action called by organised labour, especially the NLC and TUC, at the national level to fight the injustice going on in Ogun State.”