Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Simon Lalong has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to proceed on the planned industrial action over her demands.
A statement by the Director , Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, quoted the minister as making the plea when the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by the president, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa paid a thank-you-visit to the minister.
The NURTW was at the minister’s office to thank him for securing the release of some of their members, who were arrested two weeks ago by government agents.
The minister said calling off the planned strike by labour had become imperative because securing the release of the NURTW members was part of the demands by the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC).
He assured them that the processes leading to the fulfilment of the other requests of the NLC, especially wage award, were on course, and would be concluded soon.
The minister said industrial harmony remains key to the socio-economic development of any nation, and urged the union to work in synergy with the federal government in moving the country forward.
Lalong noted that securing the release of the detained NURTW members was one of the demands of NLC at last week’s meeting between the Congress and the Ministers of Labour and Employment.
The minister therefore called on the NLC not to embark on their planned strike, and allow government work to resolve all pending issues.
Also, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, appealed to the NURTW factions to maintain peace, as the ministry wades into their dispute for amicable resolution.
