The Organised Labour in Nigeria has decided the economic hardship in the country and how it has further worsened the living conditions of workers and Nigerians at large, calling on the Federal Government to put the interest of workers first in its policies and programmes.
The due, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) also said that the recent policies of the government which it said had further plunged Nigerian workers into poverty.
The labour centres knocked the government for “unilaterally increasing electricity tariff without due consultation with stakeholders.”
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, said trade unions in the country would continue to hold the government accountable.
Ajaero, who was represented by a Deputy President of the NLC, Audu Amba, spoke at the pre-may day lecture in Abuja.
The NLC President noted that Nigerian workers, despite the challenges they faced, are determined to build a better future for all.
Ajaero said: “When we talk about putting people first, we are talking about putting the interest and rights of workers first.
“As we strive to put people first, we must address the pressing issues that affect the daily lives of Nigerians and workers across various sectors.
“We must demand fairness in the allocation of the nation’s resources and fair wages that reflect the true value of labour; ensuring that no worker is left behind or forced to live in poverty.
“We must advocate for an end to the increasing insecurity in our nation and demand a safe working environment where workers can perform their duties without fear of injury or harm. We must safeguard the rights of workers to organise, bargain collectively and participate in the decision-making process that affects their lives.”
President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo urged the government to take a look at the labour laws.
Osifo, who was represented by a Deputy President of the TUC, Comrade Etim Okon noted that an obsolete labour law was a recipe for an industrial crisis.
He said: “We have unfair labour practices in this country because of obsolete labour laws which have been in existence since 2005. The federal government, if truly it wants to put workers first, must understand that any nation, with obsolete labour laws, has opened windows for an industrial crisis.
“This is a signal for the government to know that when the people revolt you cannot stop them. This is the time for all of us to wake up.”
The TUC President lamented the resurgence of queues in filling stations in some states.
Osifo said this was another recipe for industrial unrest.
“Today we have queues all over the streets of Abuja and some states. This is another recipe for industrial crises,” he added.
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