The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja is gathering ahead of the anticipated restart of talks between the Federal Government and organised labour about the new Minimum Wage. The goal of the meeting is to generate ideas for a living wage that is in line with the current cost of living.
The NLC has vowed not to be deterred by the recent attack on workers and their leaders in Imo State, which it says poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
During the Opening Session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja, which had the topic “Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement,” NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero included this in his welcoming speech.
Benjamin Anthony, the Deputy President of Congress, represented Ajaero, said:
“In the face of adversity and brutality encountered while advocating for the rights of workers to earn their legitimate income and benefits, our resolve remains unwavering. We are motivated to continue our efforts towards achieving decent work and improving working conditions in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.
“The recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo State poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, and should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill.
“The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo State Government to address all labour issues and return the so called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimized workers to their jobs.
“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognize that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult, especially for working people in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.”
“The removal of subsidy on petroleum products has further exacerbated the challenges faced by working people, unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.
“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
