The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has issued a warning regarding the Trade Union Congress’ (TUC) upcoming strike scheduled for Monday, emphasizing its potential to severely impact the nation’s economy.
The OPSN, represented by the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Mr. Wale Oyerinde, has urged the Federal Government and labor unions to collaborate diligently to prevent disruption to socioeconomic activities in the country.
OPSN warns against nationwide strike
The OPSN, which comprises five business membership organizations, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, highlighted the current unfavorable economic indicators and stressed that the economy cannot withstand a nationwide strike at this juncture.
Mr. Oyerinde stated, “We have closely observed the ongoing consultations between the government and the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
It is clear that the extensive dialogues between the Federal Government and the labor unions have not yielded positive outcomes, and the latter has resolved to proceed with the protest/strike.”
The OPSN emphasized that due consideration has not been given to the precarious state of the economy and the potentially devastating impact of a nationwide strike.
The statement from OPSN expressed concerns about the negative consequences of continuous disagreements between the government and labor unions, underscoring the need to prioritize the well-being of over 200 million Nigerians in their negotiations.
While acknowledging the unions’ right to advocate for their members’ welfare, the OPSN urged the government to make every effort to re-engage union leadership and find a mutually agreeable solution to prevent the impending disruption of business activities and nationwide strike.
The OPSN also called for a realistic assessment of labor demands in light of current economic conditions and encouraged labor to provide viable proposals for meeting their demands.