Passengers going to Owerri may have a tough time today as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its Lagos State Council to begin immediate mobilisation of its affiliate unions in the aviation sector to stop any flight from leaving Lagos for Owerri, Imo State
The congress said in a letter signed by its general secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja that it would team up with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to paralyse the aviation sector in Imo State following alleged disruption of workers’ May Day celebrations by agents of the state government.
Recall that there was a reported violent disruption of May Day celebrations in Owerri over a yet-to-be-resolved issue that arose from the NLC election in April in which the state governor, Mr. Hope Uzodinma, was accused of interfering in the labour union’s affairs.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos branch of the Congress, and signed by the general secretary of the NLC, Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union said the industrial action would begin 12 midnight on Wednesday (today).
Ugboaja said the resolution to go on strike was taken at an emergency meeting of the central working committee of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) held shortly after the May Day celebration was disrupted.
The letter reads: “As a result of the violent disruption of our May Day celebrations in Imo state yesterday by the Imo state governor, an emergency CWC meeting of the NLC and TUC was held yesterday at the national headquarters.
“It was resolved that we embark on a comprehensive industrial action against the state government beginning from Wednesday the 3th day of May, 2023
“Consequently, as part of our effort to enforce compliance, you are kindly requested to work with the TUC and other affiliates especially those in the aviation sector to ensure that no flight leaves the Lagos Airport to Owerri, Imo state starting from 12 Midnight today.
“Ensure that you put all effort to achieve full compliance. Do remain assured of the commitment of the leadership of the congress towards the protection of workers in all parts of this country.”
