Strike: Amosun in closed-door meeting with labour leaders

The National Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC) and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are now in closed -door meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Senator Senator Ibikunle Amosun, over the on-going industrial action embarked on by the state workforce.

The leaders included Wabba Ayuba, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, Ibrahim Khaleel, Kiri Mohammed and Alani Adeniji, respectively.

They entered into the meeting at about 10.00am, after addressing the workers, on Wednesday, at the NLC secretariat, Abeokuta.

Wabba said the national secretariat was in the state to mediate in the ongoing strike by the workers, which has entered the second week.

He noted that labour had not gotten anything on a platter of gold since the labour struggle started and urged the workers to remain resolute.

He said, “There is nothing as a union we have gotten on the platter of gold it is through struggle. It is a two-way communication and a win-win situation. We are here to negotiate with the government so you (workers) must remain resolute.”

He added that that the state labour leaders had briefed them concerning their unpaid deductions, unremitted contributing pensions and other issues.

Wanna stated “It is about the rule of law. The commitment must continue, unity of purpose will continue and it is open mind discussion, our hope is to resolve all issues.

“I can see that there is a connection between you and your leaders on the issues.”

While the TUC boss said, “We want to salute your (workers) resilience. This is the peak of the struggle. We are taking all your issues and messages to the government. Today, we have win-win situation.”

According to the NULGE President, it was time for action and he urged the workers to be united in the struggle, stressing “In unity lies our strength. You must avoid any form of division or whatsoever.”

The JNC President assured the workers that the leaders would not sacrifice them in their negotiation.

He faulted the sack of some labour leaders by the state government, appealing to the workers to trust the national leadership.

The state TUC chairman told the workers to remain resilient in the struggle, saying “Our resilient will be tested today, so you must be strong.”

More details later…