Friday, March 29, 2024

Federal Govt. and Labour’s eight-hour meeting over price hikes ends in deadlock

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An eight-hour meeting involving the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress has ended in a deadlock, following the inability of the parties to reach a consensus.

While organised labour is demanding the reversal of the hikes in the price of petrol and electricity tariff, the Federal Government pleaded for understanding, saying it could not sustain the fuel subsidy.

Although the government team made presentations on its financial position, it didn’t specify how the effects of the hikes in electricity and petroleum products would be alleviated.

The Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige In his welcome address said there was an urgent need for all stakeholders in the country to join hands to fashion out how the nation can survive the economic challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba argued that the high prices of petroleum products and electricity tariff had erased the gains of the minimum wage.

Also, the TUC said the indefinite strike and nationwide protest billed to commence from Wednesday, September 23, would hold as planned.

The dialogue which held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, began around 11 am and dragged on till past 7 pm without a resolution on the issues raised by organized labour.

The parties however, agreed that the unions should go for consultations with their executive council members and return for the second leg of the meeting at a future date.

The labour unions are expected to hold an expanded meeting today, where they would take a final position on the issues raised at the dialogue and revert to government.