AGF Declares-Planned June 3 Strike By NLC And TUC-Illegal And Unconstitutional (Details)

AGF Declares-Planned June 3 Strike By NLC And TUC-Illegal And Unconstitutional (Details)

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has declared the planned strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for June 3 as illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

In a formal letter addressed to the leadership of both workers’ unions, the AGF emphasized that their mode of declaring the strike violated several labor laws. He urged the unions to abandon their planned strike and return to the negotiation table to avoid contravening legal provisions governing labor disputes.

Citing relevant laws, the AGF stated that the NLC and TUC were required to serve a 15-day notice to the federal government before considering any strike action. He further pointed out that the unions also breached International Labour Organization (ILO) regulations by not meeting the necessary conditions before declaring the strike.

The AGF reminded the unions that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria had previously issued an order preventing them from going on strike. He stressed that this order remains in effect and binding on all parties involved in the labor dispute.

The letter, personally signed by the AGF, highlighted that the court’s order had not been appealed by the NLC and TUC, nor had it been stayed or set aside. The AGF urged the labor leaders to respect the existing court order, deeming the planned strike action premature and unlawful.

Instead, the AGF recommended that the unions engage in the negotiation process, with the next meeting’s date to be communicated to them soon.

The letter was also copied to key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and Director General of the State Security Service (SSS).