The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for opposing a nationwide strike, accusing them of wanting to maintain low wages for workers.
The NLC also alleged that government agents were planning to undermine the struggle for palliatives to offset the effects of petrol subsidy removal.
NLC Accusation Against OPS
According to the Vanguard, an anonymous source claimed, “The government is using tactics to oppose the NLC leadership and divide its members.”
Responding to allegations that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) might be influenced by the government to work against the NLC, the source stated that they were waiting to see how the government addresses the demands.
The source further claimed that “Government is using groups to infiltrate the NLC and shape public opinion against worker suffering.”
Regarding the NEC meeting, the source suggested that it might decide on the strike’s date based on progress reports.
OPS Warns Against Nationwide Strike
OPS, on the other hand, warned that the economy couldn’t endure a nationwide strike due to poor economic indicators. They urged the government and NLC to avoid the strike.
The OPS emphasized that both parties should consider the economy’s dire state and potential social unrest resulting from the strike.
The OPS also called for the government to keep its promises during negotiations and for labor to assess demands realistically within economic realities.
Pro-labor civil society groups, like the Joint Action Front (JAF), expressed support for NLC’s indefinite strike option.
The NLC issued a circular, summoning an NEC meeting to discuss the strike, emphasizing the importance of attendance.
