Nigeria Labour Congress Condemns New National Industrial Relations Policy

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the federal government's new National Industrial Relations Policy, which it believes aims to suppress workers' rights to protest through strikes. The policy, recently approved by the Federal Government, seeks to reduce industrial disputes and promote stable labour relations. However, the NLC argues that the policy's focus on curbing strikes reveals a mindset that prioritizes the interests of those in power over those of ordinary citizens, including workers.

Key Takeaways:

• The NLC condemned the federal government's new National Industrial Relations Policy, accusing it of seeking to suppress workers' rights to protest through strikes.
• The policy aims to reduce industrial disputes and promote stable labour relations, but the NLC fears that it will restrict workers' rights to withdraw their services, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Trade Unions Act.
• The NLC accused the government of trying to use "strong-arm tactics" to override agreements reached through social dialogue and of attempting to insert clauses in the policy that would criminalize strike actions.
• The union emphasized that the right of workers and trade unions to withdraw services is "fundamental and inalienable" and cannot be overridden by policy or laws inferior to the Constitution.
• The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers' rights under national and international laws, assuring Nigerian workers that it will remain watchful of its mandate to protect workers' rights, interests, and hard-won industrial liberties.

Statistics:

• The federal government approved the new National Industrial Relations Policy intended to reduce industrial disputes and promote stable labour relations.
• The policy aims to guide trade unions, employers, and government agencies by encouraging structured dialogue and aligning Nigeria's labour practices with international standards.
• The NLC is in "shock" that the government focused on curbing strikes, out of a list of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the policy.
• The Congress vowed to protect workers' rights, interests, and hard-won industrial liberties, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, labour laws, and international labour standards.

Sources:

• "Nigeria Labour Congress Condemns New National Industrial Relations Policy" by Joe Ajaero, NLC President ( source not explicitly stated, but cited in the article)
• Nigeria Labour Congress Press Statement (source not explicitly stated)