Strike Outbreak in North Nigeria: Workers Exercise Labour Rights in Bauchi and Kano
Workers in Bauchi and Kano are defying the national labour directive by continuing to observe the nationwide industrial strike. Despite the directive, workers in Bauchi held strong in their strike while those in Kano complied partially. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the events as they unfolded across the two states. Get the full story here and learn how workers are navigating the strike in the face of the government's directives.
Workers in Bauchi, Nigeria, chose to defy the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday. The strike was initiated due to the government's failure to meet the workers' demands following the removal of fuel subsidies and alleged harassment of union officials by security agents.
Correspondents from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that academic activities and business transactions continued as usual in schools, hospitals, and banks in Bauchi. Teachers and students were seen attending classes at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Gwallameji and Sa'adu Zungur Secondary School, Bauchi. Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, an instructor at one of the schools, mentioned that they had not received any formal directives to join the strike yet.
In contrast, the strike had a paralyzing effect on schools, clinics, banks, and other financial institutions in Kano. Some employees reported to work at the state and Federal Government's secretariats, but compliance with the strike was only partial. Public primary and secondary school students were sent home due to the strike. The strike also disrupted the ongoing First Semester examination at Bayero University Kano, resulting in the closure of examination halls for desperate students.
Kabiru Inuwa, the NLC Chairman in the state, stated that they were working towards ensuring full compliance with the strike. He mentioned that officials were stationed at the state secretariat to ensure workers did not resume work in their offices. He added that the strike achieved 75% compliance in the state.
