Aremu warns against crisis in NLC, urges leaders to resolve dispute for workers’ sake

Following the division in the ranks of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership, which threatens the success of the strike action
against federal government’s increase in the pump price of petrol in the country, Labour chieftain, Comrade Issa Aremu has called for a truce
among the warring factions of labour. Aremu the Secretary-General of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and Chairperson, IndustriALL Global Union Sub Sahara Africa said, in a statement that “Textile workers hereby call on all labour unions affiliated to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to learn from the recent developments following the prohibitive increase in the price of fuel to get united for a vibrant labour movement rather than undermining each other.”

According to him, “If we operate separately, we would be defeated separately. But if we operate in unity, we will triumph as one. The
recent 70 percent fuel increase is affecting transport cost and cost of living in general. The response of organized labour must therefore be inclusive and uniform, not disjointed as we recently witnessed.”

“The worsening poverty, rising inflation, job losses and bad governance must task our imaginations as labour leaders to work as one
instead of seeking positions for recognitions from governments and employers that do not deliver tangible results for the working men and
women.” Going further, he said, “It is commendable and reassuring that Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, says government had no intention of factionilizing the labour movement.

We therefore, call on the Minister of labour and the Secretary to the government of the Federation to initiate another round of all inclusive engagement with NLC and TUC on the recent fuel price increase. Nigeria and indeed this administration is better off with a inherited united NLC if it must win the fight against corruption, diversify the economy and enthrone social and physical security.”