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Tag: International Labour Organisation

  • FG working to proscribe NLC – Wabba

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reported the Nigerian government to the International Labour Organisation, accusing the government of working through the back door to proscribe the Congress and undermine collective labour relations in the country.

    President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and representative of workers on the Governing Board of the ILO, Comrade Ayuba Wabba told the Committee on Application of Standard that the government has forwarded a new bill to the National Assembly which will distort the nation’s industrial relations landscape.

    The NLC also reported the Kaduna and Kogi state governments to the World Labour body over total disregard for the principle of collective bargaining which constitutes violations of ILO convention 98 for sacking workers indiscriminately and refusal tom pay salary of workers.

    Wabba told the Committee which meets to review industrial relations in member countries that part of the bill sent to the nation’s parliament seeks to proscribe the NLC if it fails to amend its constitution to conform to the bill two years after being passed into law.

    He said: “A new version of the Collective Labour Relations Bill is not a product of consultation and largely different from the one we have made inputs to some years ago. Strangely, this new version was to be surreptitiously passed into law, but for our vigilance and the candor of the parliament to undertake due diligence.

    “Evidence of our claim that the intentions of the amendment were to undermine trade unions and unnecessarily distort our industrial relations landscape and temperature can be seen in one of the portions of this new bill which says “if after two years of commencement of the application of this Act, and the Nigeria Labour Congress has not amended her constitution to conform to this Act, it shall stand proscribed”.

    Read Also:Democracy without equity, justice is beggarly democracy – NLC

    He said further that “the mention of the name of our organisation in a draft proposal for amendment betrayed the undisguised malicious intention of the amendment.”

    The NLC President maintained that “interference in collective negotiation process in the private sector has been a cause of worry to the Committee since 2009. The government continues to claim that sectorial collective bargaining agreement must have its blessing before it becomes implementable so that there is no “undue economic disruption” and so it has benchmarks for wages. This clearly contradict Article 4 of this Convention for which the Committee has sharply pointed in this report being discussed by this Conference Committee.

    “The Collective Labour Relations Bill the Committee of Experts refers to started over 10 year ago. Still, no end in sight. Aside the process being very slow and delayed, the intention of government with respect to the review and amendments are giving us cause for concerns.

    “As against the advice of the Committee of experts to bring labour laws in conformity with the Convention, we can report that, sadly, this is not the case at present. Rather, the government is seeking to use the process to weaken and destroy trade unions and at the same time claiming to expand “freedom of association and volunteerism”.

    He also said “few days ago, another infraction to this convention was committed by the Ministry of Labour. The Minister was reported in some national dailies as saying that workers should not expect the National Minimum (still under discussion) to be finalised by September. When the minimum wage negotiation started, it was agreed by all partners that it will terminate with an outcome in September. The Minister is thus unilaterally determining the negotiation outcome.

    “We ask that this Committee call on the Nigerian government to allow for genuine and good faith engineering of the intended reforms of the labour laws so as to bring them in conformity to the provisions of this convention. We also pray this Committee to ensure that the Nigerian government work genuinely with the High Level Mission that the Committee of Experts has severally proposed, which we know will benefit Nigeria, her industrial relations practices and ultimately, her economy”.

    Turning to the issue of Kaduna and Kogi states, the NLC President said “In 2017, the government of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, sacked with a slant of disingenuous manner 38,000 workers comprising of 22,000 teachers, about 5,000 Local government Councils, and over 8,000 from ministries, departments, agencies, as well as those in the tertiary institutions under the guise of a vague reform.

    “The sack was carried out without recourse to respect and consideration for established rules in handling such process, including the provisions in the existing public sector collective bargaining procedures. The Nigeria Labour Congress officially reported this violation to the Ministry of Labour.

    “We wish to report that the disregard for collective bargaining extant laws and practices was total. For instance, the Nigeria Union of Teachers challenged this illegal sack in court and got a restraining order that the proposed sack should be put on hold until the substantive suit is decided. The court order was blatantly disregarded and disobeyed by the state government.

    He accused the Kaduna state government of also violating section 16(A) of the Trade Union Act, by withholding seven months deductions to all the unions, while also going ahead to stop such deductions through a government circular.

    “In Kogi State, North-central Nigeria, the government is refusing to abide by collective bargaining agreement concerning the payment and protection of wages. Workers and pensioners in that state are owed over 7 months salaries and pension benefits. This is in spite of repeated genuine efforts by the Federal Government to ameliorate this problem through the granting, three times, of financial bailout to all the affected states.

    “In July 2017, the Kogi state government rather than negotiate with the teaching staff in the tertiary institutions in the state, it illegally proscribed and confiscated the assets of the affected unions. These actions are also violations of section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which was equivocal that “all persons shall not only be free to assemble and associate, but in particular, shall freely form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of their interests”.

  • 24m jobs coming in Greener economy

    Twenty-four million new jobs will be created worldwide by 2030 if the right policies to promote a greener economy are put in place, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said.

    According to the report of the global labour watch body, tagged “World employment and social outlook, 2018: Greening with jobs,” action to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius will result in sufficient job creation to more than offset job losses of six million.

    The report noted that new jobs would be created by adopting sustainable practices in the energy sector, including changes in the energy mix, promoting the use of electric vehicles and improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

    Ecosystem services – including air and water purification soil renewal and fertilisation, pest control, pollination and protection against extreme weather conditions – sustain, farming, fishing, forestry and tourism, which employ 1.2 billion workers.

    But projected temperature increases will make heat stress, particularly in agriculture, more common. It can lead to several medical conditions, including exhaustion and stroke, the report indicated.

    It calculates that heat stress will cause a two percent global loss in hours worked by 2030 due to sickness.

    ILO Deputy Director-General, Deborah Greenfield said: “The findings of our report underline that jobs rely heavily on a healthy environment and the services that it provides. The green economy can enable millions more people to overcome poverty, and deliver improved livelihoods for this and future generations, saying “this is a very positive message of opportunity in a world of complex choices.”

    At the regional level, the report indicated, there will be net job creation in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific and Europe, representing some three million, 14 million and two million jobs, resulting from measures taken in the production and use of energy.

    In contrast, there could be net job losses in the Middle East (-0.48 per cent) and Africa (-0.04 per cent) if current trends continue, due to the dependence of these regions on fossil fuel and mining.

  • ILO tackles Nigeria over gender rule

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is not happy with Nigeria for not adhering to its policy of fair gender representation in delegations attending its conference (ILC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Comrade Ayuba Wabba has said.

    The organisation insists on a minimum of 30 percent women representation in delegations to its yearly conference.

    Wabba, who spoke at the national preparatory meeting for the ILC, said had given Nigeria until the next conference to comply with its representation rule.

    He said: “From next session, the issue of gender representation will be top most. It was an issue that was discussed at the last governing board meeting and was agreed that the minimum acceptable will be 30 percent women representation. We are working towards equal representation.

    “They said that Nigeria is a country that has not respected that provision. From next year, the governing board has made it mandatory that all the delegations, both workers, employers and the government must reflect this very sensitive issue of gender representation. Many countries have actually exceeded that provision.”

    Wabba said the meeting was important as it enables Nigeria’s delegation discuss and take a position on issues during the conference, especially as it relates to the sustainable development goal which deals with decent work and the future of work.

    He said Nigeria had the largest delegation to the ILC.

    “I think that it is important that we are able to fit into the ILC system where we work and participate in various committees.

    “Participating in this meeting in the last two years has enriched ours, but we can do better. Many of our delegates participated in committee meetings last year, but not up to half of our delegation, but the participation has been very helpful. Even though we have gained some mileage, we can do better.

    “Nigeria is going as a delegation, so, the image of all of us and the constituents we represent is very key because whatever happens, Nigeria is the country that will be referred to and not the constituents. So, we should try to project our country and Organisation in a better light and our contributions must be positive and address those clear issues that the country will be out to address.

    “The first week of the conference is essentially about the work of the various committees and decisions will be taken in the second week. So, let us know where we can make impact because where preparations are made and decision to be taken and we are no where to be found, it does not portray us as people that are serious.”

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige said Nigeria’s active participation at the 107th session of ILC is crucial based on the import of items lined up for discussion at the conference, which cut across key aspects of labour administration.

    He said It is expedient for Nigeria to develop and articulate interventions that would make meaningful and positive impact on deliberations and decisions that will be taken at the Conference, adding that the ability to arrive at common ground on all interventions  will go a long way to ensure a successful outing for Nigeria.

    He made reference to the technical items placed on the agenda by the governing board which include effective ILO development corporation in support of the sustainable development goals, violence and harassment against women and men in the world of work, among others

    ILO Country Director, Dennis Zulu said Nigeria occupies a significant position in the global body, especially as a member of its governing board and challenges Nigeria’s delegation to consider views from other African countries.

    He said the first ILO office to be established on the continent was  in Lagos in 1957, an indication of the importance the organisation attached to Nigeria and its participation at the conference.

     

  • ‘Global youth unemployment hits 66m amid rising poverty’

    Global youth unemployment figure has risen to 66 million and nearly 145 million youths who are working live in abject poverty, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said.

    The ILO revealed this at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, during  a conference on innovations for decent jobs for youths.

    The event provided a platform for governments, social partners, youth and civil society, private sector, foundations, United Nations entities and beyond to explore collaboration on innovations that work for decent jobs for youth under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    In a statement, the ILO said modern labour markets were identified as tough places for job seekers, as many feel the pressure to accept the first job offer they get, often without considering if the working conditions put their health and safety at risk.

    It stated that this is a problem, since young workers suffer from injury and illness on the job at far higher rates than their adult counterparts.

    The statement added: “Poor occupational safety and health practices cost an estimated four per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year, translating to $3 trillion. While these estimates are based primarily on the economic cost to businesses and government, when a young worker is injured, years of productivity are lost along with the investment in education and training.’’

    It continued; “In 2014, 374 million workers globally suffered non-fatal occupational injuries. The high rate of injury among young people is of particular concern, as one accident can destroy a life and a lifetime of career opportunities, earnings potential and general well-being.

    “To improve the safety and health of young workers, empowering young people to take action to protect themselves and their peers at work should be at the heart of strategies while youth occupational safety and health champions can act as international spokespeople for better safety and health and bring much-needed creativity, energy and commitment to the table.

    ‘’Young people are also advised that since they understand the realities of their working lives better than anyone, their voices and ideas should be central to efforts to guarantee their safety and health at work.’’

  • Don’t discriminate against workers living with HIV/AIDS – NACA

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS ( NACA ) has cautioned employers of labour in the country not to discriminate against their employees with HIV.

    Dr Sani Aliyu, the Director-General, gave the advice in a statement issued by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol of the agency, Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, in Abuja on Monday.

    The DG said that cases of employment-related stigma and discrimination remained a major challenge to ending AIDS epidemic by 2030.

    The statement quoted Aliyu as saying: “The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has become one of the most critical workplace issues in our time.

    “The unequal treatment of workers based on their HIV status in the workplace is a clear breach of their right to gainful employment.

    “People living with HIV/AIDS have a fundamental right to work just like everybody else, stigma and discrimination are potent threats to this right, and undermine opportunities for people to obtain decent employment.”

    Aliyu said that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and organisations to achieve the goal of eliminating stigma and discrimination in workplaces.

    “The continuous engagement of relevant stakeholders has led to strengthen capacity for compliance and effective implementation of HIV workplace policies.

    “It has also built capacities on available options for addressing discrimination including redress, and made available legal services for survivors of human rights violations,” he said.

    The DG added that the agencies and organisations involved in the advocacy included the International Labour Organisation, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment among others.

    He noted that the collaboration would ensure that employers comply with the provisions of the National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS, and the National HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act.

    We recall that the HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Bill was signed into law in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The Act makes it illegal to discriminate against people because of their HIV status.

    It also prohibits any employer, individual or organisation from requiring a person to take HIV test as a precondition for employment.

    NAN

  • ILO predicts high unemployment, decent work deficit in 2018

    The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) flagship report: the World Employment and Social Outlook:Trends 2018, has shown that while the global unemployment rate is stabilising, unemployment and decent work deficits will stay at persistently high levels in many parts of the world.

    The report indicated that as the global economy recovers, but with a growing labour force, global unemployment in 2018 is projected to remain at similar level to last year’s.

    According to the new report by the ILO, the global unemployment rate has been stabilising after a rise in 2016. It is expected to have reached 5.6 per cent in 2017, with the total number of unemployed exceeding 192 million persons.

    “Even though global unemployment has stabilised, decent work deficits remain widespread: the global economy is still not creating enough jobs. Additional efforts need to be put in place to improve the quality of work for jobholders and to ensure that the gains of growth are shared equitably,” ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said.

    Vulnerable employment, he said, is on the rise and the pace of working poverty reduction is slowing.

    The report highlighted the fact that the significant progress achieved in the past in reducing vulnerable employment has essentially stalled since 2012.

    According to ILO, almost 1.4 billion workers are estimated to be in vulnerable employment in 2017, and that an additional 35 million are expected to join them by 2019. In developing countries, vulnerable employment affects three out of four workers.

    On a more positive note, the report noted that working poverty continues to fall in emerging countries, where the number of people in extreme working poverty is expected to reach 176 million in 2018.

    The report also looked at the influence of population ageing. It showed that the growth of the global workforce will not be sufficient to compensate for the rapidly expanding pool of retirees. The average age of working people is projected to rise from just under 40 in 2017 to over 41 in 2030.

  • Unemployment in sub-Sahara Africa to hit 7.2% this year, says ILO

    The unemployment rate in the sub-Sahara is expected to rise to 7.2 per cent this year, with additional one million new entrants into the jobless population, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said.

    According to the report tagged: “World Employment and Social Outlook: Trend 2018”, the additional one million unemployed persons are influenced by the region’s high levels of labour force growth.

    It stated that more than one in three workers are living in conditions of extreme poverty, while almost three out of four workers are in vulnerable employment.

    The report said the global unemployment rate has been stabilising after a rise in 2016. It is expected to have reached 5.6 per cent in 2017, with the number of unemployed exceeding 192 million persons.

    As the long-term global economic outlook remains modest despite stronger than expected growth in 2017, the report attributed the positive trend between 2017 and 2018 mainly to the strong performance of labour markets in developed countries, where the unemployment rate is projected to fall by an additional 0.2 percentage points in 2018 to reach 5.5 per cent; a rate below pre-crisis levels.

    In contrast, employment growth is expected to fall short of labour force growth in emerging and developing countries, but has nevertheless, improved compared to 2016.

    In his reaction to the new findings, ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, said: “Even though global unemployment has stabilised, decent work deficits remain widespread: the global economy is still not creating enough jobs. Additional efforts need to be put in place to improve the quality of work for job holders and to ensure that the gains of growth are shared equitably.”

  • ‘4billion people worldwide are left without social protection’

    ‘4billion people worldwide are left without social protection’

    The new report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Social protection shows that massive efforts are still needed to ensure that the right to social security becomes a reality for all.

    Despite significant progress in the extension of social protection in many parts of the world, the human right to social security is not yet a reality for a majority of the world’s population, says a new flagship report from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    According to new data presented in the “World Social Protection Report 2017/19: Universal social protection to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” only 45 per cent of the global population is effectively covered by at least one social benefit, while the remaining 55 per cent– 4 billion people – are left unprotected.

    The report assesses the range of social protection benefits for children, for women and men of working age — including protection in case of maternity, unemployment, employment injury and disability — and for older persons, including pensions. It also assesses progress towards universal coverage in health.

    The new data of the report also shows that only 29 per cent of the global population enjoys access to comprehensive social security – a small increase compared to 27 per cent in 2014-2015 –  while the other 71 per cent, or 5.2 billion people, are not, or only partially, protected.

    In Africa, despite significant progress in the extension of social protection coverage in many countries, only 18 per cent of the African population is effectively covered by at least one social benefit.

    Despite the overall low coverage, a number of countries have achieve universal coverage: Bostwana, Cabo Verde, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa and Zanzibar (Tanzania). In this countries, all older persons receive a pension, and they are regarded as global good examples.

    Universal coverage may be done social grants or social assistance, or by a combination of social insurance and social assistance (or social grants) like Cabo Verde and South Africa.

    Owing to greater efforts towards extending old age protection, 30 per cent of Africa’s older population now receive a pension.

    However, significant coverage gaps remain with respect to children, mothers with new-borns, unemployed workers, and persons with disabilities as well as vulnerable populations. The development of social protection floors is therefore an urgent priority in Africa.

    “The lack of social protection leaves people vulnerable to ill-health, poverty, inequality and social exclusion throughout their lifecycle. Denying this human right to 4 billion people worldwide is a significant obstacle to economic and social development. While many countries have come a long way in strengthening their social protection systems, major efforts are still necessary to ensure that the right to social protection becomes a reality for all,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

    The report highlights that universal social protection contributes to eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, promoting economic growth and social justice, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    While extending coverage is a primary objective, attention needs to be paid to benefit adequacy, as the levels of social protection benefits are often insufficient to bring people out of poverty and insecurity.

    “It is necessary to increase public expenditures on social protection” said Isabel Ortiz, Director of the ILO Social Protection Department, “to provide at least a basic social protection floor to all.”

    The report also stresses the need to extend social protection to workers in the informal economy as a way of formalizing and improving their working conditions.

    For many children, a social protection benefits can make the difference between going to school or working, having better nutrition and health. Africa is a young continent, 40 per cent of its population are children, more efforts are needed.

    “Fiscal space for extending social protection exists even in the poorest countries. Governments should be proactive in exploring all possible financing options to promote national development through decent jobs and social protection,” Isabel Ortiz added.

    Main findings

    The ILO report looks at specific aspects of social protection, providing global and regional findings based on new data in the following areas:

    Social protection for children:

    •           The report shows that only 35 per cent of children worldwide enjoy effective access to social protection. Almost two thirds of children globally – 1.3 billion children – are not covered, most of them living in Africa and Asia.

    •           On average, just 1.1 per cent of GDP is spent on child and family benefits for children aged 0-14, pointing to significant underinvestment in children.

    Social protection for women and men of working age

    •           Social protection coverage for persons of working age is still limited. Only 41.1 per cent of mothers with newborns receive a maternity benefit, and 83 million new mothers remain uncovered.

    •           Other findings in this area include the fact only 21.8 per cent of unemployed workers are covered by unemployment benefits, while 152 million unemployed workers remain without coverage.

    •           New ILO data also shows that only 27.8 per cent of persons with severe disabilities worldwide receive a disability benefit.

    Social protection for older men and women

    •           The research says that, worldwide, 68 per cent of people above retirement age receive an old-age pension, which is associated with the expansion of both non-contributory and contributory pensions in many middle- and low-income countries.

    •           With expenditure on pensions and other benefits for older people accounting for 6.9 per cent of GDP on average with large regional variations, the report underlines that benefit levels are often low and not enough to push older people out of poverty. This trend is often fuelled by austerity measures.

    •

    Universal health coverage

    •           The report shows that the right to health is not a reality yet in many parts of the world, especially in rural areas where 56 per cent of the population lacks health coverage, compared to 22 per cent in urban areas. An estimated additional 10 million health workers would be needed to achieve universal health coverage and ensure human security, including in emergency situations such as an Ebola crisis.

    •           An estimated 10 million health workers are needed to achieve universal health coverage and ensure human security, including from highly infectious diseases like Ebola. The shortfall of 7 million skilled health workers in rural areas as well as high deficits in per capita health spending add to these rural─urban inequities. Ensuring equity in access to quality care and solidarity in financing is central to extending health protection.

    •           Long-term care – mostly needed by older people – still excludes more than 48 per cent of the world’s population, with women disproportionately affected.  Only 5.6 per cent of the global population lives in countries that provide long-term care coverage based on national legislation for the whole population.

    •           Because of this, an estimated 57 million unpaid “voluntary” workers provide the bulk of long-term care coverage. Many of them are women who carry most of the burden of informal care for family members. More investment in care services could alleviate old-age poverty and generate millions of jobs to address the shortage of skilled care workers, estimated at 13.6 million globally.

    The World Social Protection Report offers a broad range of global, regional and country data on social protection coverage, benefits and public expenditures on social protection. By presenting new estimates on effective social protection coverage, it provides the 2015 baseline for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 1.3.1.

    Adopted in 2015, the UN’s SDGs reflect the joint commitment of countries to “implement nationally appropriate social protection systems for all, including floors” for reducing and preventing poverty (SDG 1.3).

    This commitment to universalism reaffirms the global agreement on the extension of social security achieved by the ILO’s Social Protection Floors Recommendation No. 202, adopted by governments, workers and employers from 185 countries in 2012.

  • Udoma says labour matters high on FG’s priority matters

    Udoma says labour matters high on FG’s priority matters

    Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, says labour matters command high priority in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The information is in a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akpandem James, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    James stated that Udoma made the remark when he received a team from International Labour Organisation (ILO) led by Ms Cynthia Samuel-Olajuwon, the ILO Assistant Director and Regional Director for Africa.

    He added that the team’s visit was to brief Udoma on the implications of the just released World Social Protection Report to Nigeria, as well as intimate him about the centenary celebration of the organisation planned for 2019.

    He quoted the minister as saying “Federal Government attached high premium to labour issues, especially human capital development, as stated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    “Investing in people is one of the three broad objectives of the plan.

    “ERGP is an ambitious four-year plan developed to dramatically turn around the economic fortunes of the country.

    “It is aimed at increasing the productivity of the Nigerian economy by improving on human capacity, as well as encourage private sector investment.”

    Read also: 2017 Budget: recurrent expenditure releases hit N4.24trn – Udoma

    The minister explained that the objectives of the plan were to restore growth, invest in the people and build a globally competitive economy.

    Udoma said government was determined to pursue its human capital investment efforts through social inclusion, job creation and youth empowerment, as well as improved human capacity.

    The minister added that Nigeria would draw from the expertise of the ILO on labour matters, noting that the country had been active in the organisation’s programmes as exemplified by the level of representation in the global body.

    He thanked the organisation for choosing Nigeria as one of the 10 countries in the world where the Global Social Protection Report was launched.

    He assured the organisation of Federal Government ‘s support, saying “ you can count on our continuing support and strong collaboration.”

    Earlier, Samuel-Olajuwon had told the minister that Nigeria was chosen as one of the countries to launch the organisation’s global report because of its importance to ILO globally and Africa in particular.

    The report was launched in Abuja on December 12, 2017.

    She said apart from the fact that Nigeria had strong representation at ILO, noting that it was the first country in Africa where the world body’s office was established.

    The official said the organisation’s collaboration with Nigeria was anchored on Medium Term Framework which emphasised issues of employment, social protection and labour market governance issues, among others.

    NAN

  • NLC pickets agencies, multinationals over anti-labour practices

    NLC pickets agencies, multinationals over anti-labour practices

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday picketed the Abuja corporate headquarters of telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) over anti-Labour practices, accusing the two organizations of subjecting workers to slave Labour.

    President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba who led the picketing said it was part of activities marking the international day for decent work, set aside by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to advance Issues of decent work, issues of occupational health and safety, better conditions of service, and minimum wage Wabba said every worker is entitled to better working conditions, accusing the telecommunication company of regularly renewing employment contract with its workers as a way of shying away from the respiratory similitude of paying gratuity and pension to them.

    At the AEPB, Wabba said: “We have identified two organisation’s, Abuja Environmental Protection Board where casualization has been on and workers have been denied the rights to unionise among other issues.

    Secondly is the notorious MTN which all of us are aware of. Every three months they sack the workers and give them a new contract. This is not acceptable, our laws do not accept that, and those workers need to be liberated.

    “We need to tell them that they need to respect international labour laws, they need to also respect our own labour laws but importantly, they must respect human and trade union rights.

    “Workers have dignity, workers are not slaves and therefore, all workers must be treated with the workers best of attention. Injury to one is an injury to all. Injury to the workers at MTN and AEPB is an injury to all Nigerian workers. Issues of minimum wage must be attended to within minimum time, we are running out of time”