Brace up for the challenges ahead —TUC, ULC tell Ngige

THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) have charged the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to brace up for the tasks and challenges ahead as he returns to office.

TUC and ULC congratulated the minister on his re-appointment, which they believe is a proof of his commitment and contribution to the ministry, workers and the nation at large.

While also commending President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Ngige, the TUC said it must not fail to draw the attention of the minister to the wide range of challenges confronting the labour movement in Nigeria.

BREAKING: Kaduna to pay new minimum wage from September 1

“The ministry under his watch must as a matter of urgency brace up for the task ahead. It is imperative to state here that we are not happy that months after the new minimum wage was approved by the Federal Government the issue is still foot-dragging over parity. His presence must make a difference,” president of the TUC Comrade Quadri Olaleye, said.

“Other issues that need his urgent attention are the issues of casualisation, outsourcing, pension, job loses and others; adding, the strength of any union is their number, unfortunately our members are losing jobs in droves.

“This has to be checked if we must put a stop to acts of criminality. Posterity will be fair to him if he protects and creates more jobs instead of losing the existing ones. We must not forget that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

He said: “There are serious tasks ahead but we shall continue to count and trust in his  wisdom, adroitness and proficiency to provide the Midas touch needed to positively turn around the ministry for the good of all.”