The Taxi Cab Union (TCU) has formally rejected an appeal by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to return to the negotiating table, according to a statement released on August 20, 2026. The rejection prolongs the ongoing strike that has disrupted taxi services in major cities across the country.
The TUC had urged both the TCU and the government to resume talks to resolve the dispute over working conditions and pay. However, the TCU leadership stated that the government has not addressed their core demands, making further negotiations futile at this time.
In a press conference, TCU spokesperson James Okafor said, "We appreciate the TUC's efforts, but our members have voted overwhelmingly to continue the strike until our demands are met. Returning to talks without a clear commitment from the government would be a betrayal of our members' trust."
The strike, which began on August 10, has led to significant disruptions in urban transport, with commuters facing longer wait times and increased reliance on alternative modes of transport. The government has yet to issue an official response to the TCU's rejection.
Analysts suggest that the prolonged strike could have economic repercussions, particularly for the hospitality and tourism sectors, which rely heavily on taxi services. Negotiations are expected to resume only if the government presents a new proposal addressing the union's concerns.
