There is tension in the Presidency as the Senate President of Nigeria, Dr Bukola Saraki, took up a mediating role in the ongoing battle between the Government and organised labour as he urged the Federal Government, the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to work together and make sure the indefinite strike set to begin tomorrow doesn’t hold in the interest of Nigeria.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Monday, which was sent to reporters, urged the warring sides to be sensitivity and show concern for the plight of ordinary Nigerians, who are already battling with the harsh economic conditions in the country.
He expressed appreciation for the patience displayed by the Labour Leaders, as he noted that the issue of the new minimum wage could have been resolved, long before now.
“My Appeal is for the two sides to immediately move fast, shift from their extreme positions, and create a new middle ground in the negotiations for the new minimum wage.
“The shift in positions can be done even before the period of the commencement of the proposed strike action, so that we do not further create tension within the economy.
“At this point, the interest of the people should be paramount in our minds. Any Labour strike will cause inconvenience and discomfort to our people. While the government and Labour are representing the interest of the people, it is important to also ensure we avoid any action that will not show sensitivity and sensibility to the plight of the people”, Saraki stated with deep concern.
Do you think the Labour strike will still hold tomorrow? Is organised labour right in calling for a strike? Will Nigerians adhere to the strike calls? Let’s hear your thoughts and grievances in the comments section.
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