The Federal Government is in discussion with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avert an indefinite strike that the union threatened to embark on following the removal of the petrol subsidy by the government.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, on Wednesday after meeting with Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.
Lalong said that the government is working with the NLC to resolve the issue amicably and ensure that the welfare of workers is not compromised.
He said: “We are moving fine with the NLC and you know the posture of the president is towards the improved welfare for the labour in Nigeria.
“We have no doubt that this will be resolved amicably and that is why, at many of the meetings we had with labour, we are not ending up boxing ourselves, rather, we are smiling out with the hope that the best is going to come out.”
He added that the government is considering the suggestions and the packages that the NLC has put forward.
He said: “We have been having friendly engagements with them. We do not have any fear about some of the things they put up. Also, the suggestions and the packages are being looked into by the federal government.”
Lalong noted that President Bola Tinubu, who is currently out of the country, has delegated his authority to Vice-President Shettima, who is also in constant touch with the labour leaders.
He said: “Mr President is not around but the vice-president is in the country. So, on many of the issues, we will also continue with the vice-president so that there will be a smooth, harmonious working relationship with the labour.”
