TUC demands improved working conditions, payment of wage award arrears
The Trade Unions Congress of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to pay the remaining three months’ arrears of the wage award and review the Nigerian labour laws.
The demand was made on Wednesday at the 7th Registrar of Trade Unions’ Annual National Workshop, which aimed to address labour administration challenges in Nigeria.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, represented by Tommy Okon, emphasised the need for a symbiotic relationship between the government and workers.
Mr Osifo appealed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi
He listed challenges facing Nigerian workers, including prompt salary payment, addressing workers’ welfare, and reviewing the labour law, which had been pending since 2005.
He noted, “Honourable minister sir, permit me to say that you are coming at a critical time. This is because the basis of having a very conducive environment and working in line with the international best practices is to ensure that we have that symbiotic relationship between government and workers. It’s a call to lay the foundation and very critically, we need to also look at where we are coming from.”
He appealed to the minister to ensure the completion of the review of Nigerian Labour Law, which had been abandoned for some years.
He stated, “Since 2005, Nigeria has been battling with the review of labour law for 19 years now, and we have yet to make progress. Today, as we speak, we have been told that it is in the ministry of justice, going through a legal draft. Honourable minister, this is one task you need to accomplish.”
He also mentioned that the three months’ wage award agreed upon by the government had not been paid, and the arrears are still pending, saying “So, how can we have a conducive working environment or a symbiotic relationship between labour and the government if these issues are not addressed?”
Mr Osifo urged Mr Dingyadi, to complete the review of the Nigerian labour law and ensure payment of the outstanding wage award.
Mr Dingyadi assured the labour leaders that he would look into their demands, commending the unions for their contributions to the labour movement.
The workshop with the theme, ‘Best Practices for Social Partners Engagement in a Challenging Economy,’ had the representatives of various affiliate bodies at the event.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Customs intercept smuggled PMS worth N18.5 million in Adamawa
He said the recovered petrol would be auctioned because of its inflammable nature in line with NCS Act, 2023.
Economy
Tax reform bills will boost economic growth, reduce poverty: Oyedele
He said the proposed reforms aimed to alleviate the tax burden on the poorest citizens.
Agriculture
World Bank approves establishment of livestock centre in Kogi
He stated that it would also create jobs, boost productivity, and promote sustainable practices.
States
Police nab suspected kidnappers luring victims on social media, rescue two
Mr Ikenga noted that the suspect and his accomplices’ arrest brought more revelations of their criminal activities in the area.
States
Lagos gives Alaba market traders final notice to obtain building approvals
Mr Oki said, “They keep constructing without securing building plan approvals and disregarding government directives.’’
