Nigerian Labor Unions Launch Nationwide Strike Despite Court Order

AllAfrica/GNA – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have initiated a nationwide strike. This action comes in defiance of a court order that restrained them from proceeding with the industrial action, as reported by Qosim Suleiman for Premium Times.

According to Ghana News Agency, the strike was triggered by an incident involving the assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during a protest in Imo State on November 1, 2023. Ajaero was attacked following his allegations about the mistreatment of workers in the State. Additionally, the unions are protesting against the escalating cost of living and the recent hikes in fuel prices and other essential goods and services. TUC President Festus Osifo, in a statement, declared that the strike would persist until “governments at all levels wake up to their responsibilities.”

The Nigerian presidency has condemned the strike as illegal and unwarranted, framing it as an attempt to blackmail the government. Despite this, the unions remain steadfast in their resolution to continue the strike until their demands, which include addressing the rising costs and ensuring fair treatment of workers, are fulfilled.

This strike comes after an agreement in October 2023, where the unions had decided to call off a planned strike following the government’s proposition of measures intended to mitigate the impact of its economic reforms.