Employees of the National Union of Electricity Workers in Osun State have joined the nationwide warning strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to protest the adverse consequences of fuel subsidy removal.
In Osogbo, our correspondent observed that some workers from the Osogbo Region Transmission Company of Nigeria were barred from entering the premises. Additionally, certain branches of commercial banks in Osogbo either remained closed or partially operated. Increased security presence was noted at key locations, including Old Garage, Ola-Iya, and Oke Fia Areas within the state capital.
Furthermore, at the Osogbo head office of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, access to the premises was restricted, and an anonymous employee confirmed the participation of their staff in the warning strike.
Concerns were expressed by some electricity workers at the Osogbo Region Transmission Company of Nigeria regarding potential disruptions in power supply due to the strike action. They lamented the removal of fuel subsidy and the government’s perceived lack of concrete plans to mitigate its adverse effects on the populace.
However, it was observed that some workers at the Osun Government Secretariat in Osogbo continued to perform their duties.
Comrade Sodiq Adewale, the Vice President West of the National Union of Electricity Workers, affirmed his union’s adherence to the NLC’s directive to cease work. He emphasized their role as essential stakeholders within the NLC and highlighted that the strike action, initially a warning strike, was in full compliance within their ranks. Adewale also stressed the urgency of providing swift palliatives to ease the economic burden on the citizens.
Modupe Oyedele, the acting chairperson of the Osun NLC, clarified that the workers who reported to the Government Secretariat were affiliated with the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Nevertheless, she noted that employees at local government areas across the state had universally followed the strike directive.
Regarding the striking workers’ demands, Oyedele cited concerns over the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which had resulted in added hardships following the removal of the subsidy. She also highlighted the NLC’s reservations regarding the Federal Government’s involvement in the NURTW crisis, particularly the takeover of the national secretariat of the organization. While some union affiliates, such as the TUC, did not participate, all local government workers aligned with the NLC took part in the strike.