ULC threatens to shut down Edo today

The United Labour Congress (ULC) said it will shut down business activities in Edo state today in compliance with the directive of the national body of the union to embark on industrial action over federal government’s failure to address its demands. The State Chairman of the union, Eddy Ossai, disclosed this to journalists in Benin […]

The United Labour Congress (ULC) said it will shut down business activities in Edo state today in compliance with the directive of the national body of the union to embark on industrial action over federal government’s failure to address its demands.

The State Chairman of the union, Eddy Ossai, disclosed this to journalists in Benin yesterday. 

He said, “By tomorrow, we would shut down Edo State as no petrol station would sell because we would go round the city to put them under lock and keys. NUPENG, electricity union, Banks’ union among others are involved in the strike. We just pray that the federal government would meet with national body for dialogue.”

On the statement credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr  Chris Ngige, that the union was not recognised, he said the union was duly registered by the authority. 

“We  break away from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),  we went for registration and we were registered, so we are not going back to the NLC and as such, they should address our grievances,” he said.

While describing the statement as an aberration, he noted that the federal government can neither frustrate the union nor denied their  right to go on strike as labour union if their grievances are not addressed.

“ For us in  Edo state, we take instruction from the union’s central body and not  the Minister. It is only when our leader direct us to shelve the strike that we can stop it.”

Ossai appealed to the people of the state to bear with the union because they are fighting for the betterment of all.