NLC refutes TCN’s alleged “falsehood” amid nationwide strike

…as FG summons Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meeting

By Ukpono Ukpong

Amidst the ongoing nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, has refuted allegations which he described as “falsehood” spread by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Ajaero in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, addressed TCN’s claims regarding the strike and reiterated the reasons behind the industrial action.

Ajaero emphasised the NLC’s commitment to representing the interests of Nigerian workers and highlighted the issues prompting the nationwide strike.

These issues included the unresolved negotiations on the national minimum wage and the refusal to reverse the recent electricity tariff hike.

While condemning TCN for the alleged dissemination of misinformation, Ajaero said that such a move would only exacerbate the grievances of Nigerian workers already burdened by government policies.

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The press release clarified that the nationwide strike impacted multiple organisations beyond TCN and criticised TCN’s management for failing to anticipate the strike’s effects on its operations.

Ajaero questioned TCN’s understanding of industrial action dynamics and dismissed claims of violence or intimidation by the NLC.

“Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) categorically states that Nigerian workers will not be intimidated by the management of any organisation or government entity over our rightful decision to withdraw services through the indefinite nationwide strike that commenced earlier this morning.

“The spreading of outright falsehood to mislead the public instead of working with other stakeholders to resolve the issues raised by Nigerian workers via the NLC and TUC is not helpful in any way. It will rather inflame the anger of the suffering masses who are already burdened by the cruel policies of the federal government.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should understand that the company is not the only company impacted by the massive withdrawal of service across the nation by Nigerian workers. It should, therefore, not make it a TCN affair as other organisations also suffer one breakdown in service or the other as a result of the nationwide industrial action.

“The Management of TCN ought to have realised that the NLC and TUC issued a notice to the federal government since the beginning of May, 2024 on the issues of non-completion of the National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise and passage into Law and the vexatious hike in electricity tariff.

“We had demanded a completion of the wage setting process and a reversal of the hike in electricity tariff back to N66/kwh without any positive response from the government. We had thought that a responsible and proactive Management or organisation would have anticipated the impact of any nationwide strike on its operation and would have joined other stakeholders in urging the federal government to meet the demands of Nigerian workers.

“Unfortunately, the TCN was not responsive enough and could therefore not take adequate steps to assist the government avert the indefinite nationwide strike.

“Perhaps TCN is not deeply worried about the plight of Nigerian workers who suffer in penury as a result of their poor pay, thus decided not to take any positive action. In any case, we are crying because government policies have impoverished us and made living exceedingly difficult.

“Trying to buck pass instead of accepting blame and taking necessary steps to put its house in order will not allow the transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) make discernible progress. We would like the organisation to take adequate measures to ensure that it discharges its responsibilities to Nigerians, especially the electricity sector, instead of dissipating its energy on trying to insult Nigerian workers by its deliberate peddling of falsehood.”

Furthermore, Ajaero warned against TCN’s reported use of military personnel to intimidate workers, emphasising that such actions were unlawful and an insult to democracy.

“We have been duly informed that the TCN management has resorted to the use of the military in its effort at intimidating and harassing workers in its employ who are carrying out their lawful and democratic duties at various TCN plants around Nigeria.

“We warn that the Management of TCN would be held liable for any injury inflicted on any worker by their resort to the use of the powers of the military. It is also important that we inform TCN that deploying military men to its locations is a clear abuse and insult on the military, especially in a democracy. We are sure that members of the military so misused by this deployment are not happy with the management and the authorities who have authorised the deployment.” Ajaero said.

He called for accountability from TCN’s management and urged them to focus on addressing the concerns of Nigerian workers rather than spreading falsehoods.

Despite challenges, the NLC remained resolute in its demands for fair wages and the reversal of policies detrimental to Nigerian workers’ welfare. Ajaero called on all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the NLC and TUC in their pursuit of policies prioritizing the wellbeing of citizens.

In a related development, the Federal Government summoned the 8th meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

The meeting, scheduled for June 4, 2024 (today), aims to address the ongoing negotiations regarding the national minimum wage.

The invitation, signed by Member/Secretary of the Tripartite Committee, Ekpo Nta, called for stakeholders’ attendance at the meeting.