FG Warns-Workers who participate in NLC strike to lose their wages

The Federal Government has warned
civil servants in the country not to
participate in Wednesday’s nationwide
indefinite strike called by the Nigeria
Labour Congress and the Trade Union
Congress.
According to a statement signed by the
Secretary to the Government of the
Federation, Babachir David Lawal any
worker who participated in the strike
would not be entitled to his or her wage.
The statement read:
”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 absents him or
herself from work to join the strike
action.
”Attendance registers are required to be
opened in all Ministries, Departments
and Agencies.