In a significant development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly issued a strike notice scheduled for November 8, 2023. This decision comes in the wake of the disturbing attacks, abduction, and severe assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other labor leaders.
Leaders of both the NLC and TUC made this announcement during a press briefing held on Friday, where they presented a six-point demand to the Federal Government. One of the primary demands is the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State and the Area Commander, along with other implicated officials. These officials are alleged to have been complicit in the brutalization and humiliation of Comrade Ajaero and other workers.
The recent incident occurred on Wednesday when suspected state agents and security operatives descended on Joe Ajaero and other labor leaders. They vandalized their vehicles, inflicted injuries, and robbed them of their mobile phones, money, and ATM cards, among other valuable possessions. This unfortunate incident took place at the NLC State secretariat as the labor leaders had gathered to commence a scheduled protest addressing various labor-related issues.
The grievances at the core of this protest include the backlog of unpaid salaries, allowances, pensions, gratuities, and the non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act. The attack on Ajaero and his fellow labor leaders has triggered outrage and condemnation from across the country.
Leaders of the NLC and TUC are set to convene on Tuesday next week to deliberate on an appropriate response to this shocking incident. The nation watches closely as the labor unions mobilize in their demand for justice and accountability in this matter.
