A nationwide blackout is expected to hit the country this weekend, even as the main Labour apparatus in the country has signaled it will embark on an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by tomorrow.
The United Labour Congress in a statement signed by the President, ULC, Joe Ajaero, cautioned Nigerians, advising them to stock up on food and supplies as the intention of the strike is to cripple the day to day running of the country.
“The strike will be very effective as we hope to cripple all modes of transportation within the nation; ensure a total blackout nationwide; cut off petroleum product supplies; and disrupt banking operations, which will make life a bit more difficult for Nigerians.
“We regret these consequences on all of us, but we hope that these measures will help us create a nation that is better governed for the benefits of Nigerian workers and Nigerian masses.”
The ULC said the strike was necessitated due to the Federal Government’s refusal to meet its demands within the 14 day ultimatum which was issued on August 22nd.
He added, “This course of action, though very painful to us at this time, is the only alternative available to us as we have exhausted all known peaceful processes towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“We, therefore, call on all genuine patriots to join hands in solidarity with us to urge the Federal Government and state governors to be kind enough to meet the demands of Nigerian workers and masses.”
The demands of the union include the immediate payment of all arrears of salaries owed workers at all levels of government without exception.
Ajaero added that other demands were that “the Federal Government honours its 2009 agreement with university lecturers under the umbrella of ASUU quickly and commences negotiations with them on new issues so that our universities will re-open.
“The roads leading to all the petroleum refineries and depots nationwide be repaired by the government to avoid the present carnage, wastage of products and properties on these roads.
“That the government should demand that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment set up a task force immediately to carry out factory inspections as most of our factories are death traps.”