Nationwide strike: Aviation unions give NLC fresh momentum
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has some momentum again after four of its affiliates in aviation said on Friday that they would support its nationwide strike starting on Monday.
NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are organising a strike to protest against the recent increase in petrol and electricity prices. These two top unions want the price changes reversed.
The aviation unions that plan to join NLC and TUC on Monday are the National Union of Air Transport Employees, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.
Their participation in a labour strike could ground all flights.
A nationwide NLC strike backed by key affiliates could shut down parts of the economy.
Meanwhile, some NLC affiliates do not support the proposed strike. These include the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, whose national president Benneth Korie has been quoted urging the NLC to drop the plan saying a strike would affect the economy unfavourably.
Other affiliates such as the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions are rallying behind NLC and TUC.
The Buhari government has made moves to halt the proposed strike. The attorney-general Abubakar Malami has initiated litigation at the national industrial court in Abuja, and on Friday the court ordered labour to suspend its proposed strike.
An obscure non-profit named Peace and Unity Ambassadors Association had previously applied to the industrial court to stop labour from going on strike.
NLC says it will carry on with its plans despite the litigation.
There was a labour strike in 2012 when the Jonathan government tried to remove petrol subsidies. That strike initially had popular backing and other civil society groups organised protests in labour’s support. The labour unions controversially called off their strike within two weeks and the government suppressed the upheaval using the army.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Protests rock Gambia over prolonged blackout amid Barrow’s third-term bid
Protesters shouted, “Barrow must go!” as plumes of smoke filled the air around capital Banjul.
Economy
Oil, MSME investment key to sustaining GDP growth, say economists
Economists have urged the federal government to adopt measures that will increase crude oil production and provide more support for the micro, small and medium enterprises sector.
World
Singapore increases monthly allowances of parliament members, others
The changes follow recommendations by an independent committee reviewing the salary framework for political appointment holders and MPs.
Health
WHO warns smoking can reduce fertility
Second-hand tobacco smoke might increase infertility risks, particularly among women, who might face a lower chance of conceiving during each menstrual cycle.
Health
Abia Health Board: Gov Otti petitioned over unpaid 20 months’ salaries
Bamachy Onyemachi, director of medical services at Abia Health Management Board, petitioned Governor Alex Otti to intervene on his behalf over salaries withheld for over 20 months.
States
Suspected drug peddler nabbed in Delta, illicit drugs recovered
The commissioner urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the police in preventing and fighting crime across the state.
