President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has appealed to the Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shelve the proposed strike in the country’s interest.
Mr Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged both parties to demonstrate sensitivity and concern for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
He said the resolution was necessary to prevent Nigerians, who were already battling with the harsh economic conditions in the country from further hardship.
He commended labour for its patience on the matter, noting that the issues of the new minimum wage could have been resolved long before now.
“My appeal is for the two sides to immediately move fast, shift from their extreme positions and create a new middle ground in the negotiations for the new minimum wage.
“The shift in positions can be done even before the period of the commencement of the proposed strike action so that we do not further create tension within the economy.
“At this point, the interest of the people should be paramount in our minds. Any labour strike will cause inconvenience and discomfort to our people.
“While the government and labour are representing the interest of the people, it is important to also ensure we avoid any action that will not show sensitivity and sensibility to the plight of the people,’’ he said.
NAN
