The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) ordered an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday, and its affiliates in Lagos State agreed.According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the labor unions' National Executive Council decided to go on strike during its meeting in Abuja on November 13, 2023.
The Federal Government was accused of failing to address issues that affected workers, including low governance, insecurity, corruption, and minimum wage. This led to the judgment.
Additionally, following the recent crisis in Imo that allegedly led to the brutalization of NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero and other labor union members, both unions had made various demands that the government had allegedly neglected to answer.
On November 13, the government issued a warning to both unions not to go ahead with their planned strike action, citing the possibility of being found in contempt of court.
In a statement, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, announced that the government had secured a restraining order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria that prevented the unions from carrying out their strike.
In the meantime, no trains were operating as a result of the union's involvement in the strike, according to Mr. Segun Esan, Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, who spoke with NAN.
Therefore, starting at zero zero on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, all Nigerian Railway employees have a duty to participate in the nationwide strike by staying at home and not going to work.
"Until otherwise directed by the Congress, all of the Corporation's offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises remain locked and inaccessible as of Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at zero zero hour," stated Esan.
Additionally, Mr. Oluwole Olusoji, President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, stated that members had received compliance guidance.
He stated that members had received advice to make sure that lives and property were protected from those who would try to take unfair advantage of the circumstances.
Olusoji declared, "We will keep an eye on the situation as it develops."