There
are intense moves by government to avert a massive workers’ strike over the
fuel price increase – from N86.50kobo to N145 – began at the weekend.
Labour
unions are planning to go on strike as from Wednesday to force a reversal of
the increase. But the Federal Government is calling for talks to stop the
action.
It
was learnt that the government has been working very hard to convince labour
leaders to shelve the strike.
The
government has said the new price regime came about because there is no
forex for importers who must now source for their forex from secondary sources
and import in a deregulated environment.
But labour seems adamant ,it has called on Nigerians to
stockpile food items in readiness for the mother of all strike.
Speaking on a live television interview last night,the
Vice President of the NLC,said the government MUST revert to the old price of
N86 before any meaningful negotiation could start.
When asked to comment on the position of NUPENG and
PENGASSAN which has opted out of the strike.
The labour leader said the officers of the Unions didn’t
have the mandate of the union to issue such statement, stating that the two
Unions will be part of thye strike come Wednesday.
It is yet to be seen who blinks first between the
Unions and Federal government.
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Business