The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliate groups will hold a congress on Monday to decide whether to embark on a strike.

This was part of the decision at the State Advisory Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC) meetings at the Labour House, American Quarters, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, workers were directed to assemble at the Labour House on Monday morning for briefing and update on the ongoing negotiations between the government and the labour unions, particularly on the wage award and welfare of workers and pensioners.

They also condemned the attack on the national president of the NLC, Joe Ajero, in Imo State on Wednesday.

The communique read in part, “We, the Oyo State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) stand united and strongly condemn in totality the recent attack on the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigerian Police in Imo State on Wednesday 2nd November 2023 by the government of Hope Uzodinma and Police Force.

“We view this egregious incident as an affront to the fundamental rights and liberties of the Nigerian labour force and an alarming manifestation of the tyrannical tendencies displayed by some state governments towards the labour movement.”

They decried the government’s disregard for workers’ rights.

“In conclusion, we, the Oyo State NLC and TUC, wish to make it clear that we will not take this attack on the national president of the NLC or any labour leader lightly. We stand resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers in Oyo state and throughout Nigeria,” they said.

The congress sought the support of Nigerians and civil society organisations in demanding justice for Mr Ajaero, emphasising that “constructive negotiation” was required.

“Our struggle for workers’ rights and social justice will not be deterred by acts of tyranny. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a just and equitable society where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld and protected.

“After the expiration of the ultimatum served on the state government who are yet to proffer lasting solution to our grievances, all workers (should pick all their personal belongings from office on Friday 3rd November 2023) and Pensioners in the state are to resume at NLC Secretariat, Agodi Gate, on Monday, 6th November 2023, for the largest Congress in the history of Oyo state for further directive.

“We condemn the continued verbal assault and insult by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Mr Titi-Lola Sodo, to workers, pensioners, and the Labour Movement of Oyo state,” it added.