FG asks NLC not to ‘overheat the system’

[DT]

The Federal Government yesterday asked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to overheat the system with threats of a general strike and mass protest over government's plan to remove fuel subsidy.

Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu gave the caution in Abuja at the second National Consultation on Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Worst Forms of Labour, where he declared that the NLC was merely acting on speculations. He advised organised labour to be patient with the government.

He said that the budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly was clear and unambiguous, stressing that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala explained the real position of things on Wednesday.

Chief Wogu said "it is for them (Labour) to be patient with government and avoid speculations that will overheat the system. The budget is clear and the explanation of the minister of finance is clear."

While stating that President Jonathan's administration was doing everything in the interest of the country and the ordinary people of the country, he pointed out that there was no sufficient reason for unions to go on strike going by the provisions of the Labour Act, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and the Trade Dispute Act.

However he stated that discussions with labour will continue.

"But the contemplation like you quoted is they (NLC/TUC) are going to go on strike because of anti-people policy, the big question is: does it qualify as a condition to go on strike? You know if a strike is declared, people will not go to work, so does this contemplation which you mentioned qualifies the NLC to go on strike?

"If you listen to the further break down of the budget by the Coordinating Minister of Economy and Minister of Finance, she has spoken on the budget Mr. President presented, so why are there speculations. It is clear.

"In the presentation of the budget to the National Assembly and the breakdown by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy, there is no ambiguity.  You can go and see the text, it is not within my purview. She is authorised to talk on the economy.

"We are going to dialogue with them. We will invite the labour. It is within my purview to invite the labour unions, if the time is fixed, I will invite you."

He advised organised labour to be "patient with government and avoid speculations that will overheat the system. The budget is clear and the explanation of the minister of finance is clear."



DailyTrust