‘It’s against interest of workers’ — NLC condemns court ruling on strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) against its proposed strike over petrol price hike.

On June 2, NLC issued a five-day ultimatum to the federal government to revert to the old price of petrol or face a nationwide strike.

But the court restrained the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on the strike.

The federal government had asked the court for an interim injunction preventing the labour unions from proceeding on the strike earlier scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

The strike has now been shelved as negotiations between labour and federal government representatives continue.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, Joe Ajaero, NLC president, and Emmanuel Ugboaja, its general secretary, said there is a need to show the government that it is important to comply with laid down laws and court rulings.

“Especially as it concerns obedience to the rulings of the courts and their brazen disregard for the 2023 Appropriation Act,” the union said.

“To therefore support and accept the decision of the leadership of congress to suspend the proposed strike action in compliance with the flawed rulings of the NIC.

“Also to allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after the 19th June, 2023, negotiation round with the federal government.

“To however register in strongest terms its disgust and disapproval with the ruling of the NIC for its continuous weaponisation of the instrument of exparte injunction in favour of government.

“That it is against the interests of Nigerian workers in defiance of the position of the supreme court on the use of this instrument.”