The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and it’s Trade Union Congress, TUC counterpart in Oyo state have directed their members to converge at the NLC Secretariat, Agodi on Monday for a Congress to chart a way forward following the expiration of ultimatum served on the state government.
This is contained in a joint statement issued by the Oyo state NLC chairman, Kayode Martins and TUC’s Bosun Agoro at the end of the unions’ joint SAC and SEC meeting on Thursday 2nd November 2023.
According the statement, the Congress scheduled for Monday, 6th November, 2023 was described as the Largest Congress in the history of Oyo State which will birth further directive on the unions’ demands for better welfare for members.
Recall that the unions have demanded wage reward from the state government as a result of the effects of removal of fuel subsidy
The statement reads in part:
” We, the Oyo State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), stand united and strongly condemn in totality the recent attack on the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigerian Police in Imo State on Wednesday 2nd November 2023 by the hopeless Government of Hope Uzodinma and police Force .We view this egregious incident as an affront to the fundamental rights and liberties of the Nigerian labour force, and an alarming manifestation of the tyrannical tendencies displayed by some State Governments towards the labour movement.
“It is evident that the principles of social justice and the rights of workers are being disregarded in some quarters. We strongly assert that the Labour movement is a vital pillar of our democracy and must be allowed to function without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“In conclusion, we, the Oyo State NLC and TUC, wish to make it clear that we will not take this attack on the National President of the NLC or any Labour Leader lightly. We stand resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers in Oyo State and throughout Nigeria.
“We call upon the labor community, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this act and demanding justice, only Constructive Negotiations that would lead to Agreements and implementation can lead to Good Governance.
“Our struggle for workers’ rights and social justice will not be deterred by acts of tyranny.
“Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a just and equitable society, where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld and protected.
“After the expiration of the ultimatum served on the State Government who are yet to profer Lasting solution to our Grievances, All Workers ( should pick all their personal belongings from office on Friday 3rd November 2023) and Pensioners in the State are to resume at NLC Secretariat Agodi Gate on Monday 6th November 2023 for the Largest Congress in the history of Oyo State for further Directive.
“Condemn the Continued Verbal assault and insult by the S A Labour Mr Titi-Lola Sodo to Workers , Pensioners and the Labour Movement of Oyo State.