Former President of the Nigeria labour Congress who a sitting senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade union congress TUC to focus more on advancing workers’ rights rather than being overtly partisan.
While reacting to the strike action organized by the labour union, Oshiomole condemned in strong terms the attack on the personality of the current president of NLC, Joe Ajaero but advised Organized Labour to vigorously engage on issues like unpaid salaries and high cost of living occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Recently, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) said they were embarking on nationwide strike to protest the alleged brutalisation of national president of NLC Joe Ajaero in Imo state.
Reacting, the former Chairman of the All progressives congress APC, Adams oshiomhole acknowledged his enduring affinity for labour unions stemming from his background as a worker and union leader.
The Former Edo State Governor however expressed concerns that the NLC’s recent strike action seemed politically motivated rather than driven by a concrete worker-focused agenda.
Oshiomhole, who is currently a Senator in the 10th National Assembly, urged the NLC to prioritize holding state governments accountable to the N30,000 minimum wage agreement, which also covers local government and state workers.
He questioned why the NLC was not mobilizing strikes against states that have not implemented the approved minimum wage while targeting the federal government.
Meanwhile, in a bid to resolve the industrial action, the Federal Government has met with the leadership of NLC and TUC to put an end to the strike.
The Secretary General TUC, Nuhu Toro while reacting to criticisms on the strike action said the attack on Joe Ajaero was a total affront on his person and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Nigerians’ reactions from different quarters revealed that they want a labour that will be responsive to the plight of workers to further alleviate their sufferings and reduce high cost of living in the interest of all.