Strike: FG says security agencies will use force if need be

Following the decision by the organised labour to proceed on industrial action to protest fuel hike despite court injunctions  by
the Industrial Court, the Federal Government has directed security agencies to ensure unhindered access to offices, workplaces and markets.

The FG also warned that acts of intimidation, harassment, amongst others would be met with appropriate response by law enforcement agencies.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal , warned against disobeying the rule of law by engaging in the illegal strike action reminding them of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, of no work, no pay adding that attendance register will be opened in all Ministries, Department and Agencies.

“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 absent him or herself from work to join the strike action.  Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies” the statement read in part.

In a related development, the federal government has in response to the pronouncement by the Trade Union Congress calling off the industrial action has directed all Civil servants to report to duty.

In a circular issued to all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial departments by Head of the Civil Service of the Federation signed by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office (CSO) in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,  S.K.Y. Adelakun, urged “all Civil Servants to report punctually to work daily”.

The circular further directed all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra- Ministerial departments to ensure strict compliance with the directive.