Strike: Labour unions shut down NASS

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterparts on Monday, shutdown the National Assembly following the on-going indefinite strike.

Scores of workers were prevented from gaining access to the national assembly complex, leaving most of them stranded.

It was reported that the unions blocked the main gate to the entrance of assembly.

Some of the workers who came as early as 6:00 a.m. were shocked to discover that the union members were already on ground to prevent possible entrance by workers.

It was reported that some aides to the lawmakers made fruitless efforts to explain to the members of the union that they were not part of the strike.

Some of the Aides explained to the union that they could not have joined the strike, and therefore should not be prevented from doing their job.

However, one of the members of the union who refused to disclose his name said the strike affected everybody and insisted.

A contractor who works inside the assembly complex was also prevented along with his co-workers.

The union members out of anger told the contractor that they were fighting in the interest of all workers, while urging them to show understanding of workers’ predicament.

It was reported that bank officials had a hectic moment explaining to the union why they should be allowed into the complex, but their explanation fell on deaf ears.

The labour unions vowed that they would not be allowed into the complex until their demands were met.

It was reported that the unions had issued a June 3 ultimatum to the government if it failed to meet its demand for a new minimum wage.

As at the time of filing this report, both the government and the unions had not agreed on an acceptable minimum wage.