The National Industrial Court has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other unions in Niger State from embarking on their impending strike over salary arrears.
The judge, Justice Peter Lifu, gave the order on Tuesday after hearing a motion ex-parte moved by the Niger Government.
Lifu noted the argument of the claimant that the economy of the state, welfare of its citizens and essential services would suffer if the motion was not granted.
The judge held that the economy of Niger would be shut down if the application was refused.
“It is my humble view that since negotiation are still on, this court should encourage and facilitate such moves for the interest of the society, particularly the innocent and vulnerable groups.
“I find merit in this application, and hereby grant an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants either by itself, agents privies, servants members and/or successor however so called from calling the civil servants, public servants or workers in Niger state from embarking on strike action,’’ he said.
The judge fixed July 15 to hear the motion on notice.
Counsel to the claimant J.J. Usman had asked the court to restrain the NLC, TUC and others from embarking on their planned strike pending determination of the motion on notice.
The motion was supported by 19 paragraphs affidavits deposed to by Ibrahim Melah.
It will be recalled that the NLC, TUC, and other unions had given the state government a two-week notice to pay the state workers’ salary arrears or risk an indefinite strike.
The ultimatum, issued on June 28, lapsed on July 11.
