The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have taken a decisive step by issuing a new strike notice to the Federal Government.
This move follows a recent incident on Wednesday where NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and other union members were subjected to attacks, abduction, and assault in Imo State during a peaceful protect against abuse of the rights of workers in the state.
During a joint press conference on Friday in Abuja, the union leaders outlined a six-point demand directed at the Federal Government.
These demands encompass the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, the Area Commander, and other officials believed to be involved in the mistreatment and degradation of Comrade Ajaero and his fellow workers.
According to them, should the government fail to meet these demands, the labour unions have set November 8 as the deadline to embark on a nationwide strike.
It would be recalled that, individuals suspected to be state agents and security operatives had violently confronted Ajaero and other labour leaders, damaging their vehicles, causing injuries, and stealing their possessions, including cell phones, money, and ATM cards.
These events occurred as labour leaders had gathered at the NLC State secretariat to commence a planned protest addressing unresolved labour issues in the state.
The NLC President, alongside national NLC leaders and counterparts from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), had convened at the state secretariat in Owerri to protest various grievances, including unpaid salaries, allowances, pensions, gratuities, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act.
The attack on Ajaero has ignited outrage and condemnation and The Witness gathered that next Tuesday, leaders from NLC and TUC will meet to determine the appropriate course of action in response to this distressing incident.
