The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday suspended its planned protest in Port Harcourt, over a lingering industrial dispute, which led to sealing of the group’s secretariat in the state.
After a six-hour dialogue, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba told journalists that the organised labour agreed to resolve contending issues after signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rivers government.
In its reaction to the planned protest last Sunday, Rivers government had said it would be illegal for the NLC to hold a protest, alleging Wabba threatened that workers would rally in the state against unfair labour treatment.
According to the communique signed by both parties and read by Wabba, labour has agreed to suspend the planned protest.
”At the meeting between the organised labour and Rivers government, the parties agreed to sign the agreement on the implementation of the national minimum wage and consequential adjustment.
”The NLC secretariat sealed for correction of the structural deficit will immediately be unsealed, while the government continues with correctional work.
”Government shall restore the remittance of check-off dues and pay outstanding arrears to the respective labour union,” he said.
On salaries withheld from health workers because of their involvement in a 2017 strike action, the NLC president said that the state government has agreed to commence payment.
”Both parties agreed to set up a tripartite committee to discuss and resolve other outstanding issues.
”This include adjustment of pension in line with the constitution and payment of all pensions and gratuities.
”Parties shall take steps to discontinue all ongoing litigation in relation to the disputed matter,” Wabba said.
He added that the parties agreed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the planned rally.
Confirming the resolutions reached by the government and the organised labour, especially on suspending the planned protest, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, urged workers in the state to go about their normal businesses without fear.
