Planned Strike: FG advises workers against joining strike

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) has advised civil servants from level 12 and above including essential duty officers to be at work on Monday.

Yemi-Esan, gave the advice in a circular issued on Friday in Abuja, saying that the government was engaging with the union officials over the planned industrial action.

This is coming after the meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), ended without reaching an agreement.

They have said that there will be further meetings on Monday, 28th September 2020.

The circular reads: “Sequel to the call by the Labour Unions for workers to embark on industrial action from Monday, 28th September 2020, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), wishes to inform all public servants that the Federal Government team is currently engaging with the Labour Unions with a view to resolving all contentious issues and avert the planned industrial action.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that there is a court injunction granted by the National Industrial Court (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/253/2020) on 24th September, 2020 restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria from embarking on any form of industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

“Accordingly, all officers on Grade Level 12 and above and those on essential services are hereby strongly advised to be at work to perform their official duties.

“Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers are therefore enjoined to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned officers and ensure strict compliance,” Yemi-Esan advised.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has also advised organised labour against embarking on strike action as any plan to down tools, will worsen the already deteriorating economic situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.