Labour unions begin strike over fuel price hike …FG threatens workers, says 'no work, no pay'

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have resolved to proceed with the indefinite strike today (Wednesday) over fuel hike.

This was the resolution of the union at its National Executive Council, NEC meeting, held today, at the NLC headquarters in Abuja.

Although, newsmen, who waited anxiously to be briefed of the development at the meeting, were left unattended to, it was learnt that the workers' unions resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike, beginning from 12 midnight.

The unions took the decision to mobilise workers on strike, after exhaustive deliberations on last week's fuel hike by the federal government and the attendant consequences on the Nigerian workers and the general public.

'Our decision not to suspend the strike was further fuelled by today's injunction by the Industrial Court, restraining us from proceeding on the strike expected to begin tomorrow,' a source said.

He disclosed that the two bodies were still studying development and may not honour the meeting expected with the government at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation this evening.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to participate in the nationwide indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal warned civil servants against participating in the strike, adding that any worker who participated in the strike would not be entitled to his or her wage.

The statement read:
'The attention of all Public Officers is drawn to the notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike from Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This notice is regrettably given in spite of an Order by the Industrial Court against the strike action.

'Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike action.

'Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.

'Accordingly, Security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places and markets.

'Acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking up of offices, blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying out their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by the law enforcement agencies.

'All workers, whether in public or private sector are further reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, which provides that 'where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.'

'Accordingly, all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of 'no work no pay' in respect of any staff who absents him or herself from work to join the strike action.

'Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.'