12 August 2012, Sweetcrude, ABUJA – NIGERIA’s Federal Government has invited workers in the electricity sector for a dialogue to avert the planned industrial action in the sector.
A statement from the office of the Assistant Director of Labour, Mr. Samuel Olowookere, said the invitation extended to the workers’ union was as a result of the threat by the workers to embark on strike over issues involving the ongoing power sector reform.
Olowookere said the meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday would discuss the lingering labour issues in the power sector.
“Towards ensuring a hitch-free power sector reform and in response to reports of looming power outage due to threat of industrial action by workers in the power sector, the Minister of Labour and Productivity,
Chief Emeka Wogu, has in a letter dated Aug. 10, 2012 invited the labour movement to a meeting.
“The meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2012, by 2 pm at the minister’s conference room, will among other things, discuss current labour issues existing in the power sector.
“Chief Wogu assured Nigerian workers of the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing collective agreements, while encouraging the labour unions to further embrace the spirit of dialogue in the interest of the entire nation,” the statement read in part.
The minister urged the workers to give the deserved support to the President in a bid to develop the country.