The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from September 5 and 6 unless the federal government addresses the excruciating suffering of the masses.

Joe Ajaero, NLC president, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the congress on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Ajaero, while reading the communiqué jointly signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja, general secretary of the congress, said the resolutions were reached after exhaustive deliberation.

According to him, NEC, in session, resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today.

“This is until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.

“To commence a two-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday from September 5 to 6 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month,” Mr Ajaero said.

Also, he said the NLC demands that the “illegally” occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) be vacated.

According to him, another resolution is “To embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo within September in preparation for a major shutdown of the state.

“This is to compel the State government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.”

He also added that the NLC would begin the shutdown of the operations of Air Peace Airline and other aviation companies involved in serial violations of workers’ rights.

The NLC president said this was to ensure freedom of association and to bargain collectively.

He urged the new FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, to desist from threatening poor masses with the demolition of their properties and focus more on making houses available to the people.

“He is not a minister of demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances,” ‘he said.

(NAN)