Dialogue is preferable, says Babatope
Former Transport Minister Ebenezer Babatope insists there should be dialogue and not indefinite strike
I PREFER dialogue. Government and the workers must engage in dialogue. And while I praise the dynamism and progressive tendencies of Oshiomhole, I will advise he does not negate the position of dialogue with government on the issue.
I also want to advise against indefinite stance on strike. If workers go on indefinite strike, there is the possibility that the strike will not achieve its objective. Many of the organisations that make up the NLC can start to subvert the NLC and it will be difficult for the NLC to maintain an indefinite strike.
You have strike for one or two days not indefinite strike. It is in vogue in most developed economies. Oshiomhole has established himself as an articulate and hardworking trade union leader. I want to advise that he should give dialogue with the government a chance and not embark on an indefinite strike.
How to resolve deadlock in the negotiation
The first thing is to have common grounds for discussion. They should table the issues and how to find reasonable solutions to the issues. Indefinite strikes will not help the economy of the country. In the long run, the common people will suffer.
The government as a matter of urgency should publish the report of the committee appointed to cushion the effects of oil prices. Also, the government should be seen to be meeting the problems arising from the increases. Government should go into an extensive dialogue with the people to educate them on the policies of deregulation. Nigerians are not heartless, if they understand, they will listen to the government.
Effectiveness of strikes?
Indefinite strikes in the long run are too lengthy to achieve results.
If dialogue fails, what happens?
If dialogues fails it will be clear to the people. Elsewhere, trade union organisations embark on periodic strikes, not indefinite strikes. In between the periodic strikes, government continues with dialogue and the problems will be solved. But in an indefinite strike, the Labour union leaves its effects on the majority of their members who will not be able to continue because they also have to maintain their living.
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