Labour minister takes proactive measures to prevent industrial crisis, meets TUC

In a bid to prevent industrial crisis in the country, the Federal Government, in a proactive move, has continued to engage major trade unions in dialogue as it recently met with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), having met with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, highlighted at the last meeting that government is committed to implementing agreements with trade unions.

The minister, who paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of TUC, assured the union that “government is working round the clock to ensure that agreements with trade unions are fulfilled.”

Onyejeocha also said the government appreciates the plight of the trade unions, noting that her visit was not only to reiterate government’s readiness for partnership but to keep the channels of communication open.

According to her, “I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the Federal Government has started paying the N35,000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding would be paid within a short period of time.”

She said, “I know that the president is focused on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed.  The government will ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.

“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating. That is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements and we are working round the clock to make sure they are fulfilled. If there is any that we cannot fulfill now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.”

She commended the leadership of the TUC for having faith in the government and assured the union of government’s continued readiness to listen to them, as well as partner with them for the greater good of the people.

Speaking earlier, the president of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, thanked the minister for her timely and thoughtful visit, adding that her visit would go a long way to build trust and mutual understanding between the government and the union.

He commended the government for some of the major steps taken so far, specifically for fulfilling up to 80% of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and urged the government to fulfill the remaining 20% of that agreement.

“We are not a union that waits for government to fail in order to hold it to ransom. That is why we keep engaging,” Osifo said.

Earlier, in the meeting with the leadership of CONUA, the Minister reiterated the government’s willingness to work with unions and address their concerns satisfactorily.

CONUA Chairman, Niyi Sunmonu, who tabled some issues that he said required government quick implementation, expressed optimism for a strike-free future with continued government understanding and commitment.