Strike, Lose Your Wages, FG Tells Workers

The Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to

participate in Wednesday’s nationwide indefinite strike called by the
Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
Babachir David Lawal warned civil servants against participating in the
strike, adding that any worker who participated in the strike would not be
entitled to his or her wage. The statement read:

”The attention of all Public Officers is drawn to the notice issued by the
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike from
Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This notice is regrettably given in spite of an
Order by the Industrial Court against the strike action.

”Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the
laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike
action.

”Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work
places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the
nation.

”Accordingly, Security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded
access to offices, work places and markets.

”Acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking
up of offices, blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying out
their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by the law
enforcement agencies.

”All workers, whether in public or private sector are further reminded of
the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, which provides that “where any worker takes
part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration
for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the
purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights
dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected
accordingly.”

”Accordingly, all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government
Agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of “no work no pay”
in respect of any staff who absents him or herself from work to join the
strike action.

”Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies.