Without prompt intervention from the state government, Oyo workers and pensioners represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliated groups might initiate an indefinite strike in the state starting tomorrow Monday, November 6.
A congress where the decision might be taken had been fixed for Monday morning by the Labour leaders as parts of the decision taken at the State Advisory Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC) meetings of the two Labour centres at the Labour House, American Quarters, Agodi, Ibadan last week, reports The Nation.
Arising from the meeting, the labour leaders had directed all workers to pick their personal effects and assemble at the Labour House tomorrow morning for briefing and update on the ongoing negotiations between the government and the Labour unions, particularly on the wage award and welfare of workers and Pensioners in the state.
The labour leaders also at the meeting condemned the attack on the National President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajero in Imo state last week Wednesday.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting reads in part “We, the Oyo State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), stand united and strongly condemn in totality the recent attack on the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigerian Police in Imo State on Wednesday 2nd November 2023 by the government of Hope Uzodinma and police Force.
It said: “We view this egregious incident as an affront to the fundamental rights and liberties of the Nigerian labour force and an alarming manifestation of the tyrannical tendencies displayed by some state governments towards the labour movement.
“It is evident that the principles of social justice and the rights of workers are being disregarded in some quarters. We strongly assert that the labour movement is a vital pillar of our democracy and must be allowed to function without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“In conclusion, we, the Oyo State NLC and TUC, wish to make it clear that we will not take this attack on the National President of the NLC or any Labour leader lightly. We stand resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers in Oyo state and throughout Nigeria.
“We call upon the labour community, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this act and demanding justice, only constructive negotiations that would lead to agreements and implementation can lead to good governance.
“Our struggle for workers’ rights and social justice will not be deterred by acts of tyranny. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a just and equitable society, where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld and protected.
“After the expiration of the ultimatum served on the State government who are yet to proffer lasting solution to our grievances, all workers (should pick all their personal belongings from office on Friday 3rd November 2023) and Pensioners in the state are to resume at NLC Secretariat Agodi Gate on Monday 6th November 2023 for the largest Congress in the history of Oyo state for further directive.
“We condemn the continued verbal assault and insult by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Mr Titi-Lola Sodo to workers, Pensioners, and the Labour Movement of Oyo State.”
