Employers’ association calls for rethink over proposed strike by NLC

<p>The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) on Sunday said there was urgent need to protect the objectives of sustainable enterprise, decent work and national development.</p>, <span>NLC</span>, <p>NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said this in a statement, in view of the proposed Aug. 2, protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress.</p>, <p>Oyerinde expressed worry over what he described as the parlous state of the economy, and recent mobilisation for civil action by NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.</p>, <p>He, therefore, called for urgent action by government and other stakeholders.</p>, <p>“A call for ‘strike and mass action’ by any social partner at this difficult time, in furtherance of the achievement of its objectives, could potentially cause a breakdown of law and order.</p>, <p>“This is also with attendant risk for organised businesses and the nation as a whole,“ he said.</p>, <p>The director general said that strike, threat of mass action or civil disobedience that could potentially disrupt the economic activities of businesses would be counter-productive.</p>, <p>Oyerinde noted that sometimes, engagements between organised labour and government might end in deadlock.</p>, <p>He said, however, when that happens, the consequential action by labour should not, in any way, hinder anyone from going about their businesses peacefully or cause anyone to be intimidated or harassed.</p>, <p>“We re-emphasise the importance of social dialogue, a potent instrument of the International Labour Organization, and a globally accepted mechanism for dispute resolution.</p>, <p>“While it should be noted that various ILO Conventions, recommendations, international treaties and local legislations guarantee certain rights and privileges to social partners, a call for mass action or civil disobedience is certainly not one of them, “ he said.</p>, <p>The NECA boss urged government to, as a matter of urgency, take immediate steps to ameliorate the economic trauma being faced by workers, Nigerians a