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Nationwide Strike: Imo CAN Appeals to NLC for Reconsideration |
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Imo State has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider the planned nationwide strike set to commence on Monday.
Reverend Eches Divine, the chairman of CAN, voiced this plea during a press briefing in Owerri, concerning the NLC's proposed strike.
He warned that such an action might jeopardize the nation's economy and called on both the federal government and the NLC to revisit the negotiation table to discuss realistic demands.
"Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, hails from my state, Imo. Is it feasible for Imo State or any other state government in the South East to implement a minimum wage of ₦494,000 without economic collapse?
The organized private sector is also unable to meet such wage demands and has expressed agreement with the government's position to begin modestly and progress gradually. Is Joe Ajaero aiming to destabilize Nigeria's economy? If not, why propose unattainable demands? Even his acquaintances who own businesses have not paid their employees ₦400,000.
"Is Mr. Ajaero advocating for a new minimum wage law that would be impractical for all levels of government and the organized private sector to enforce?
He is suggesting a 1500 percent increase in the minimum wage. Has Nigeria's income surged by the same percentage? Are we to endure hyperinflation akin to Venezuela and Zimbabwe?
"What else would a national strike provoke if not widespread discord?"
"Mr. Ajaero has initiated more strikes than the past four NLC Presidents combined. There appears to be an underlying issue. When advocating for workers, we must do so with a patriotic spirit and sound judgment. Any misguided conflict could further harm the economy, worsening conditions for both workers and the nation.
"Therefore, I implore the NLC leadership and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue once more, with sincerity and openness, to prevent any further harm to our already delicate economy," he stated.
