TUC Expresses Discontent: “NLC Sidelined Us, We Feel Undermined,” Says President Festus Osifo

TUC Expresses Discontent: “NLC Sidelined Us, We Feel Undermined,” Says President Festus Osifo

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has voiced its grievances, accusing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of excluding them from the recent nationwide protest planning efforts, leaving them with a sense of being sidelined and undermined.

In an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Thursday, TUC President Festus Osifo shed light on why the congress opted out of the protests organized by the NLC on the 27th and 28th of February.

Osifo revealed that despite their attempts to engage with the NLC regarding the protest plans, the TUC was not adequately involved in the decision-making process, prompting their decision to abstain from participating in the protests.

“While we are not against protests as an institution, we felt compelled to take a stand due to repeated instances of being sidelined by the NLC, despite previous agreements between us,” Osifo emphasized during the interview.

He recounted past instances where the NLC had announced protests and strikes without prior consultation with the TUC, leading to frustration within the TUC’s leadership. Despite efforts to resolve these issues through dialogue, Osifo noted that the NLC continued to act unilaterally, disregarding mutual agreements.

Osifo outlined the established protocols agreed upon between the TUC and NLC, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and collaboration in addressing issues of common concern. However, he lamented that the NLC failed to adhere to these protocols, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust between the two organizations.

Highlighting the importance of developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to clarify their relationship and decision-making processes, Osifo emphasized the TUC’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues and ensuring that both parties are treated with fairness and respect.

“The TUC as an institution feels undermined by the actions of the NLC, and we are determined to find a resolution to these challenges through constructive dialogue and cooperation,” Osifo concluded.

The TUC’s stance underscores the need for transparency and collaboration within the labor movement to effectively address the concerns of workers and advance their collective interests.