Public servants across federal, state and local governments have begun a three-day warning strike. Notably, this public workers warning strike has drawn national attention. This strike is due to worsening economic hardship and unresolved demands from organised labour.
According to Vanguard, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council directed workers in ministries, departments and agencies to join the industrial action. The public workers warning strike runs from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4.
The council said the government failed to adequately address its demands before the deadline, leading to the public workers warning strike.
Workers demand N500 petrol price
Among its demands, the JNPSNC wants the Federal Government to reduce the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre.
It also wants an immediate wage award. In addition, it calls for the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027. In summary, the public workers warning strike highlights the urgency of these concerns.
“The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating,” the council said in its strike circular.
It directed affiliate unions to ensure total compliance nationwide.
Council faults Tinubu’s address
Labour leaders said they were disappointed that President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address did not announce the measures they had requested.
The unions said workers and their dependants continue to struggle with rising food, transport and energy costs.
The warning strike is expected to end on Sunday unless labour announces further action.
