Afenifere appeals to FG to meet labour’s demands and prevent strike

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to show sensitivity to the demands of organised labour and avert the planned indefinite strike that could cripple the nation’s economy.

The group, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, on Wednesday, said the government should ameliorate the sufferings of the citizens, especially the workers, who are bearing the brunt of the harsh economic policies.

Afenifere noted that the removal of fuel subsidies and the increase in electricity tariffs have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, adding that the government should not add insult to injury by ignoring the legitimate demands of the workers.

The group said the government should dialogue with the labour unions and reach a mutually acceptable agreement on the issues of minimum wage, tax exemptions, allowances, the provision of buses, and support for small and medium enterprises.

Afenifere also urged the labour unions to be flexible and realistic in their negotiations and to consider the interests of the masses and the nation at large.

The group warned that a nationwide strike would have negative impacts on the economy, which is already struggling to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity.