- Commiserates Algerian Workers Over Death of Dozens From Wild Fire
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to immediately embark on an industrial action if “the wave speculation” in the media that there are fresh plans to grant approval to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to hike tariff becomes a reality.
The NLC, in a letter to the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, dated 30th August, 2021 and signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, warned that it finds it necessary to put the minister on notice that should the federal government “make true the swirling speculation by approving an increase in electricity tariff, Organized Labour would be left with no option than to deploy the industrial mechanisms granted in our laws for the defense of workers’ rights.”
The letter, entitled; “Notice on Speculations on Increase in Electricity Tariff” and copied the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, among other things, reads:
“We wish to draw your attention to the wave of speculation especially as widely reported in the media that there are fresh plans to grant approval to Electricity Distribution Companies to hike electricity tariff.
“We write to remind the Honourable Minister that Organized Labour on September 28, 2020 through the Federal Government – Organized Labour Committee on Electricity Tariff agreed to freeze further increases in electricity tariff until the committee concludes its work and its report adopted by all the Principals in the Committee.
“It is in light of this that we dismiss the ongoing speculation on increase in electricity tariff as mere speculations. We, however, find it prudent to put you on notice that should government make true the swirling speculation by approving an increase in electricity tariff, Organized Labour would be left with no option than to deploy the industrial mechanisms granted in our laws for the defense of workers’ rights.”
…Commiserates With Algerian Workers Over Dozens of Wildfire Deaths
Meanwhile, the NLC sends its condolences to the General Union of Algeria Workers (UGTA), Algerian workers and the country’s government over the recent wildfire incident in the North-eastern region of the country, with Tizi Ouzou the hardest hit.
Tizi Ouzou, which is among the largest cities in Algeria, is the second most populous city in the Kabylie region. The BBC reported that at least 90 people died fighting the flames, including 33 military personnel.
In the condolence letter addressed to UGTA’s General Secretary, Comrade Wabba bemoaned the tragedy and the “terrible dislocation this mishap has caused for jobs, incomes, livelihoods and emotional health of many Algerians especially workers, the poor and other vulnerable citizens.”
The letter entitled; “Accept Our Commiseration and Solidarity” reads:
“We bring you fraternal greetings from the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“We write to commiserate with the leadership of the General Union of Algeria Workers (UGTA), Algerian workers and the Algerian Government for the recent wildfire incidence in Tizi Ouzou and environ.
“It is very unfortunate that the wildfire incident killed a number of people and consumed thousands of hectares of olive groves and coniferous trees. We deeply regret the terrible dislocation this mishap has caused for jobs, incomes, livelihoods and emotional health of many Algerians especially workers, the poor and other vulnerable citizens.
“This tragedy notwithstanding, it is heartwarming that the Government of Algeria has continued to maintain its principled stand on supporting the cause of the Saharawi people – the last colonial outpost in Africa. It is unfortunate that the commitment of the Algerian government to helping the people of Saharawi Republic gain their full independence has led to disruptions in your government’s ties with Morocco, we assure you that the Algerian government and people enjoy the renewed solidarity of the entire continent for standing for justice.
“Kindly convey our warm thoughts and solidarity to the Algerian government, workers and people.”
