NLC, CSOs join strike in Anambra

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra chapter, and Coalition of Civil Societies on Wednesday, joined the industrial action declared by their national leadership of the NLC.

A ruling of the Industrial Court of Arbitration had on May 17, restrained the NLC from embarking on the threatened indefinite strike which was meant to protest the increase on the pump price of petrol from N86.5 to N145 per litre.

Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, Mr. Jerry Nnubia, on rising from a closed door meeting of State Executive Council of Labour unions and civil society at the NULGE secretariat, Awka, disclosed the position of Anambra Labour union.

Nnubia said the decision was in line with directive from the national headquarters of the union, threatening that it would be total.

He directed workers to stay away from public office, adding that the union would commence picketing on Thursday.

He said the labour demanded that the Federal Government revert the price of petrol to the N86 and N86.50 regime before entering into negotiation with stakeholders.

According to the Chairman, “For us, we are a democracy and we deserve to be carried along, if there is need for increase in pump price there should be consultation.

“We expect that the Federal Government should focus on fulfilling their campaign promises reducing poverty, unemployment, inflation and not increasing electricity bill and petrol price.

“The strike will be total until the government is willing to address these issues.”