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Industrial court halts plan nationwide strike by NLC, TUC

The National Industrial Court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates, preventing them from proceeding with their planned nationwide strike set for November 14, 2023.

This decision comes in response to an ex-parte application filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Background:
The unions had initially announced the strike following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, citing the alleged assault on NLC National President Joe Ajaero in Imo state as a catalyst for their decision.

Legal Intervention:
In a legal move, the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation sought the intervention of the National Industrial Court, filing an ex-parte application to halt the unions’ proposed industrial action. The court, led by President Justice Benedict Kanyip, responded on Friday with an order instructing the unions to refrain from proceeding with the planned nationwide strike.

Reasoning behind the court’s decision:
The court’s decision to restrain the unions may be rooted in maintaining industrial peace and preventing disruptions to essential services. The alleged assault on the NLC National President likely prompted concerns about the potential escalation of tensions, prompting legal intervention to maintain order.

Union Response:
As of now, there has been no official response from the NLC, TUC, or their affiliates regarding the court’s decision. It remains to be seen how the unions will react and whether they will seek legal avenues to contest the court’s order.

Implications and future developments:
The court’s decision has immediate implications for the unions’ plans, potentially averting the nationwide strike scheduled for November 14, 2023. The case may also spark broader discussions on the balance between workers’ rights to protest and the need to maintain public order and essential services.

Conclusion:
The National Industrial Court’s intervention in halting the planned nationwide strike by the NLC and TUC adds a legal dimension to the ongoing labor dispute. As stakeholders await further developments, the case underscores the intricate relationship between labor rights, legal proceedings, and the broader implications for industrial harmony in Nigeria.

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