Details of a last-minute reconciliatory meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have emerged, revealing significant steps taken to address pressing issues affecting the nation’s workforce.
During the meeting, held in Abuja and led by TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, the government acknowledged the challenges faced by public sector workers following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In response, the government set a two-week timeline to address key concerns, including wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances for these workers.
READ ALSO: Breaking news: NLC declares August 2 nationwide strike over increase in fuel price
NLC were not at the meeting
Furthermore, the government indicated its commitment to establishing the necessary mechanisms for accessing the recently announced intervention fund aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), however, did not participate in the meeting, as it had already finalized plans to proceed with a planned two-day warning strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday.
This crucial meeting, which lasted just 30 minutes, focused on addressing various urgent issues, including the implementation of palliatives, modalities for disbursing a 70-billion-naira fund for SMEs, and resolving the crisis within the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), among other concerns.
Address those issues two weeks
Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, emphasized the urgency of these matters, stating:
“We are going to address those issues within the period of two weeks and come back for further discussion. Some of the issues we discussed are those that are very urgent.”
Lalong also urged all parties involved to refrain from strike actions during this two-week period, as negotiations and deliberations are underway to achieve the outlined objectives.
This development provides a temporary respite for workers and business owners alike, as the government and TUC work together to find solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s labor force and small-scale entrepreneurs.
READ ALSO: NLC threatens nationwide strike on August 14th unless Court summons are withdrawn.
Breaking news: NLC confirms strike suspension after President Tinubu’s intervention
In another news, the Nigeria Labour Congress has officially confirmed the suspension of its planned strike after successful intervention by President Bola Tinubu and the Senate.
This decision came following a meeting of the Congress’s National Executive Council.
In response to the reports of the NLC protest held nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory, an emergency meeting was arranged between the President and the labour leaders.
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