The Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, TUC
and other labour unions in the country have been told to shun the idea of
embarking on their planned nationwide industrial action.
The call is coming from the Attorney General of the
Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who demanded that the
unions obey the court order that stopped such action.
The National Industrial Court had on June 5 restrained NLC
and the TUC, from embarking on any industrial action over the removal of fuel
subsidy.
The Minister, in a letter dated September 26, and addressed
to the NLC and TUC, and Femi Falana (SAN), argued that the plan by both labour
unions would have violated the subsisting order of the court should they to
embark on indefinite strike from October 3,
The Minister called on Falana to prevail on NLC and TUC, who
are his clients, to respect the order of the court and allow room for ongoing
negotiations between them and the Federal Government.
Fagbemi said, “These are undoubtedly issues that have been
submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.
“Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation
of the pending interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 restraining
both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any
industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and
determination of the pending motion on notice.
“We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the
opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.
“It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions
would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.
“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office
that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to
protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.
“Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress upon the
organized labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is
in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness
of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.
“Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show
greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the
strike action.
“The foregoing will afford parties more room for further
mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all
outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest.”
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