…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has faced criticism for its decision to suspend the proposed nationwide strike aimed at protesting the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Following a meeting between NLC leaders and representatives of the Federal Government at the Presidential Villa, the strike suspension was announced.
The discussions resulted in an agreement to establish a joint committee tasked with reviewing proposals for wage increases, devising an implementation framework, and setting a timeline.
Key Resolutions and Objectives
One of the resolutions reached during the meeting was for the federal government and organized labor to evaluate the World Bank-financed cash transfer scheme.
The aim was to propose the inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
Additionally, both parties agreed to reconvene on June 19 for further negotiations.
The joint team formed in the aftermath of the meeting was assigned the responsibility of addressing issues affecting the education sector and proposing implementable solutions.
Moreover, the committee was entrusted with establishing a framework to facilitate the completion of the nation’s refinery rehabilitation.
The federal government was also expected to provide a roadmap for road maintenance and the expansion of rail networks throughout the country.
Criticism and Accusations of Betrayal
Public Affairs commentator Deji Adeyanju took to Twitter to express his disappointment with the NLC’s decision to suspend the strike.
Adeyanju accused the organized labor of betrayal and compromise, asserting that the strike was halted without achieving any tangible outcomes.
He went on to allege that labor leaders had been bribed, emphasizing the inability of hungry individuals to effectively engage in protest actions.
Adeyanju’s critical remarks echoed concerns about the perceived lack of impact resulting from the suspension of the strike.