Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ABUJA1317
2007-06-21 14:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:  

NIGERIA: NATIONAL LABOR STRIKE - SITREP #3

Tags:  PGOV ELAB PHUM PREL ENRG ASEC NI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO2055
OO RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHUJA #1317 1721452
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 211452Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9974
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHWR/AMEMBASSY WARSAW 0389
RUEHCD/AMCONSUL CIUDAD JUAREZ 0390
RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 7206
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS ABUJA 001317 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL, AF/W
PLEASE PASS USTR FOR AGAMA
DOL FOR SUDHA DALEY
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS
TREASURY FOR DAN PETERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ELAB PHUM PREL ENRG ASEC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: NATIONAL LABOR STRIKE - SITREP #3

REF: A. ABUJA 1303


B. ABUJA 1302

C. ABUJA 1294

D. ABUJA 1278

E. ABUJA 1155

THIS MESSAGE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET
DISTRIBUTION.

UNCLAS ABUJA 001317

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL, AF/W
PLEASE PASS USTR FOR AGAMA
DOL FOR SUDHA DALEY
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS
TREASURY FOR DAN PETERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ELAB PHUM PREL ENRG ASEC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: NATIONAL LABOR STRIKE - SITREP #3

REF: A. ABUJA 1303


B. ABUJA 1302

C. ABUJA 1294

D. ABUJA 1278

E. ABUJA 1155

THIS MESSAGE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET
DISTRIBUTION.


1. (SBU) The national labor strike continues June 21 and it
appears Nigeria is headed for a third day of striking. The
meeting between labor leaders and the GON which was scheduled
for 10 AM June 21 did not/not take place. According to NLC
Deputy General Secretary Olaitan Oyerinde, it was clear
following the informal NLC/GON meeting on the evening of June
20 that neither side was willing to budge from their declared
position. The strike held in general, though the labor
leaders were unable to shut down oil production and exports
as they had hoped and airports were open for international
and some domestic flights. Some businesses around Abuja
reopened by mid-day on June 21. The strike continued to be
peaceful and NLC reports only one arrest.


2. (SBU) Despite labor leaders' desire to shut down oil
production and exports in an attempt to force the GON to the
negotiating table, it appears they were unsuccessful. Shell
reports that office workers have heeded the strike, but that
essential personnel remain in place and both field and
offshore operations continue as normal. Agip reports "no
problems" as employees in essential positions have not heeded
the call to strike. Chevron reports that essential personnel
have complied with the strike, though it has not indicated to
what extent operations have been affected.


3. (SBU) No further meetings are scheduled at this time
between the GON and labor. Poloff learned that TUC President
Peter Esele returned to Lagos on June 21. According to NLC's
Oyerinde, the strike will continue indefinitely until labor's
demands are met. Oyerinde told Poloff the strike had to be
held to send a message to the new administration. He said
labor he believes labor would accept a compromise gas price
of 67.5 Naira per liter. (NOTE: He did not/not mention the
pricing board approval as a necessary part of the compromise.)
CAMPBELL