The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has decided against participating in the nationwide protest that was organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
The Vice President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, announced the decision on Thursday. Etim attributed the choice to withdraw from the planned strike to what he called a “lack of decision-making.”
He stressed the importance of reaching a collective agreement among labor unions before deciding to go ahead with a protest.
“We cannot join the protest because the decision was not taken collectively. It is very clear that, by virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest,” Etim said.
“We are writing to address a matter of mutual concern and our disappointment regarding the recent unilateral issuance of two days’ national protest with specified dates.
“You will recall that both centers issued a joint statement with a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. This ultimatum will expire on Thursday, February 22nd, and the right thing to do was for both leaders to review the situation and agree on the way forward prior to convening our respective NEC meetings.
“Our respective NEC is made up of highly intelligent individuals who are desirous that we both work together always in our collective interest. Even if we didn’t anticipate our NEC decision meetings, it is our responsibility as leaders to harmonize our positions before jointly going to the press.
“It was our understanding that decisions of such magnitude would be made collectively, ensuring that the interests and perspectives of all parties involved are duly considered.
“This is the way other leaders of both centers have worked together from the time of SECSCAN to when TUC was formally registered.”
However, the NLC has refused the Department of State Services (DSS) suggestion to cancel the upcoming nationwide protest on February 27 and 28.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the NLC president dismissed the advice as unwanted and confirmed that the protest will continue due to the difficulties many Nigerians are currently experiencing.
