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Tag: NLC

  • TUC to FG: Revert to old pump price immediately

    TUC to FG: Revert to old pump price immediately

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Friday asked the federal government to revert to the old pump price of petrol with immediate effect, giving the government up till May 18, 2016 to invite the leadership of organised labour for discussion on the way forward.

    In a communique at the end of an emergency National Executive Council meeting of the Congress in Lagos, the TUC said it will interface with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Civil Society allies to work out action plans that would be put in place to protest the insensitive fuel price hike.

    The Communique signed by the President of Congress, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Ag Secretary-General Comrade Simeso Amachree reads: “The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) at an emergency meeting held on Friday 13th May 2016 in Lagos deliberated extensively on the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol by the Federal Government and passed the following resolutions.

    “The NEC-in-Session rejected in its entirety the astronomical increase in the price of petrol from N86.50 per litre to N145 per litre and demanded that the Government should revert to the old price regime with immediate effect.

    “The NEC in session gave the Federal Government up till Wednesday, 18th May, 2016 to invite the leadership of labour for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.

    “The NEC-in-Session also directed the leadership of the TUC to interface with the NLC and the Civil Society Allies to work out action plans that would be put in place to protest the insensitive fuel price hike should the Government fail to meet the Wednesday, 18th May, 2016 deadline”.

    At the time of this report, the Nigeria Labour Congress was yet to take a definite stand on the fuel price increase.

    An earlier Press conference scheduled by the congress for 4.00pm to disclose the out of their emergency NEC meeting was rescheduled for 12.00 noon on Saturday.

    A text message from the NLC headquarters signed by the General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson read: “this is to inform you that the press briefing today has been shifted to tomorrow, Saturday, 14th May, 2016. Time is 12 noon”.

  • NLC to build 3,050 houses for workers

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Sokoto State  will build 3,050 housing units for civil servants, its Chairman, Mr. Aminu Umar has said.

    Umar, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Abubakar Malami, at the May Day celebrations, said the houses would be built “in partnership with some private estate developers”.

    So far, about 100 hectares of land had been acquired by the NLC for the houses, including other facilities, such as clinic, mini-market and schools, among others.

    ”Therefore, I will like to solicit for your continued cooperation in order to help us achieve the set goals of improving the welfare of workers,” Umar urged.

    He praised the state government for ensuring the regular payment of salary and the payment of arrears of gratuities to retired civil servants.

    He extolled the cordial relationship between labour unions and the state government.

    Umar acknowledged the state government’s commitment to improving the lot of civil servants in the state.

    He, however, appealed to the state government to look into the plight of retired teachers and workers of local governments, as well as salary disparity between secondary and primary school teachers.

    Umar further urged the state to implement consolidated salary for legislative staff, as well as introduce a special media salary scale, among other demands.

  • Why states can’t pay workers’ salaries – NLC

    Why states can’t pay workers’ salaries – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Tuesday that the inability of state governments across the country to pay staff salaries has nothing to do with over blotted civil service, but reckless spending by state governors and failure to save for the rainy days.

    Reacting to a statement credited to former presidential adviser on media. Dr. Doyin Okupe, asking states to sack civil servants, the president of the NLC, Comrade, Ayuba Wabba said in a statement that retrenching civil servants was a panacea to irregular payment of salaries.

    He said the congress believes that the states are where they are because of serial acts of corruption in the past, failure to save for a rainy day, high cost of governance (via employment of unneeded aides on criminally high salaries), unlawful and equally unacceptable severance packages for ex-governors and their deputies, cost of political expediency and failure to invest.

    The statement reads: “Ordinarily, we would not have responded to Doyin Okupe, former Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan when he urged governors in a statement few days ago, to retrench civil servants as a panacea to irregular payment of salaries, because we know him.

    “In his jaundiced argument, very much unlike one who is truly deserving of his certificate from a medical school, Okupe said, “virtually all state governments in the country have over-bloated civil service.”

    “To underscore this point, he said between ‘2008 and 2009, Ogun State received N2 billion monthly from the federation account and paid out N1.8billion as staff salaries, wages and overhead costs’ to civil servants not more than 50,000 in a state with a population of 5,000,000.

    “In his view therefore it was ‘an obvious socio-economic absurdity and incongruity where 10 per cent of the population was consuming 90 per cent of the wealth of the state.’

    “Okupe is bandying political statistics and this is neither good for his health nor the health of those with whom he seeks to ingratiate himself. We at the Nigeria Labour Congress believe in the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources.  We will not subscribe to a situation whereby 10 per cent corner 90 per cent of the resources of the state.”

  • Full text of President Buhari’s May Day Speech

    Full text of President Buhari’s May Day Speech

    SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2016 NATIONAL MAY DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE EAGLE SQUARE, ABUJA ON SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016

    Great Nigerian Workers!
    Great Nigerian Workers!
    I bring you greetings.

    It is with great pleasure that I honour the invitation by the two Federations of Trade Unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to attend the 2016 National May Day celebrations. As you all know, this is my first outing in this forum which has a long and historical tradition that are noble and progressive. The efforts of all the heroes past who had fought for the workers of all nations to have a ‘voice’ in determining the course and direction of both national and international issues affecting the state of their being, are commemorated today, the first day of May all over the world. Labour remains unarguably an important element in any policy, programme and project propagated for national development.

    This year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it marks the first May Day celebration under the All Progressive Congress (APC) Administration which brought an end to the sixteen (16) years of national squander, bad governance, unbridled corruption and economic woes by the previous administration. Second, it is coming at a time when the whole world is experiencing some form of economic crisis or the other.

    For us whose main foreign exchange comes from oil, the global decline in the price of oil has further exacerbated our economic crisis. The resultant effects of this are noticeable in government dwindling resources, reduction in operational capacities of most companies especially in the Oil and Gas Sector, threats of workforce reduction by multinationals and the escalations of volatility amongst others. These developments no doubts, have socio-economic implications for the economy as well as the working class. I therefore appreciate the theme you have chosen for this year’s National May Day celebration – The Working Class and the Quest for Socio – Economic Revival. A quest it is, and the realization of the revival is not far fetched. It only requires a reasonable time to remedy the mal-administration and put forth a change so desired by all of us.

    I make no excuses as this Government of the APC is determined to tackle headlong all socio – economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well being and the realization of sustainable development as well as growth anchored on equity and social justice.

    Development must be sustainable for it to benefit society in general. It is therefore the responsibility of those in the citadels of power to align themselves with the working class who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum of positive change. That is why the present Administration has sought and will continue to seek the hands of Labour so that together we can attain the enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.

    It is for this very reason that I aspired to become President which the Nigerian people have now made a reality. This Administration shall effect positive Change in the lives of average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.

    In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. Fighting corruption in the Public Service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the Government.
    I have listened to the speeches made by both the Presidents of the TUC and NLC. By the speeches, you have without any equivocation affirmed your faith in the greatness of Nigeria as a nation. The challenges facing Nigeria have been highlighted and I assure you that they shall be accorded due consideration. It is worthy to note that solution to some of those issues and requests are already being considered and would be made public in the near future. The times may be tough, but we Nigerians are by nature resilient and strong and it is that nature that propels us to overcome adversities and still thrive as a nation.

    Let us use this National May Day to celebrate the workers and Nigeria as a Nation. There will always be challenges in the life of a man and what defines greatness is the way and manner such challenges are tackled and overcome. I assure you, great Nigerian workers that this Administration is able and willing to constructively handle the challenges.

    In so doing, I request your cooperation and understanding, as partners in progress. The need to ensure a conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions becomes paramount to ensure no loss of man – days and accordingly promote high productivity, which is perquisite for sustainable development based on increased investments, creation of jobs as well as protection of jobs. I further assure you that working together, this Administration protect workers’ rights and shall promote incentives for great productivity and hence greater prosperity.

    Thank you and I wish you all happy May Day celebrations.
    God Bless.

  • Akwa Ibom needs more teachers, says NLC

    The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the state government needs to employ more teachers.

    NLC Chairman  Etim Ukpong said: “Classrooms in our schools are virtually without teachers. That is one sector where in recent times no employment has been made. For the free and compulsory education to be meaningful many things have to be done and one of them is to employ teachers.”

    Speaking during the 2016 workers’ day celebration at the Uyo township stadium, Ukpong also described as worrisome the activities of the herdsmen in some local government areas in the state, particularly the Ibiono Ibom.

    His words: “They invaded Nasarawa, then Benue with the horrendous massacre of Idoma people in Agatu and adjourning areas. Now it is Enugu. The workers and the people of this state say No to any part of Akwa Ibom being incorporated in the “Cattle Grazing Bill”

  • Minimum Wage: Labour urges FG to set up tripartite committee

    Minimum Wage: Labour urges FG to set up tripartite committee

    Nigeria’s organised labour on Sunday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to constitute a tripartite committee for the upward review of the proposed N56,000 new National Minimum Wage.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made the call at the 2016 May Day celebration with the theme: “Working Class and The Quest for Socio-Economic Revival’’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) had on Tuesday submitted a formal proposal of N56,000 new National Minimum Wage to the Federal Government.

    Wabba said that the tripartite committee should comprise government; Federal and State, NECA, the organised private sector, and labour to begin the negotiations.

    “During the last May Day, we had stated that as soon as the new government to be sworn in on May 29, 2015 settled down, we would table a proposal for a new National Minimum Wage demand.
    “The National Minimum Wage Act which former President Jonathan signed into law in April 2011 has a five year re-opener clause for new negotiations to review the new minimum wage.

    “In fulfillment of the above provision, we recently submitted a N56,000 proposal as new minimum wage to the Federal Government.

    “Our proposal of N56,000 is just N4,000 more than the figure we put out for negotiation in December 2008, which was N52,000.

    “This represents our awareness about the prevailing economic situation in the country,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, the TUC President, Mr Bobbio Kaigama said the present economic hardship and its attendant effects on workers had made nonsense of the National Minimum Wage of N18,000.

    He said that the N18,000 National Minimum Wage had been operational for over five years and called for an upward review of the existing minimum wage to N56,000.

    “This has become necessary as the present one formally lapsed on 24th March, 2016.

    “Indeed, even before we submitted our proposal, we had expected the Federal Government to appoint a committee to handle the issue.

    “We anticipate that no state governor would dare claim that his state cannot afford the increase.

    “Each state government should be proactive and look inwards to the state’s bountiful alternative sources of income rather than relying only on statutory monthly allocations from the federation account.”

    He called on the Federal Government to start the negotiation for a new National Minimum Wage, adding that any further delay would be counterproductive.

  • Why we demanded new minimum wage in spite of cash crunch —NLC, TUC

    Why we demanded new minimum wage in spite of cash crunch —NLC, TUC

    Organised labour led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said yesterday that the failure of some states in the country to pay salaries of workers will not stop them from demanding a review of the national minimum wage.

    Labour said apart from the fact that the Minimum Wage Act was due for review, the fall in the value of the naira, the increase in electricity tariff, biting economic situation in the country and the rise in prices of goods and services necessitated the demand for a review of the minimum wage from N18,000 to N56,000.

    Deputy President of the Congress and Chairman of the 2016 May Day Committee, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, said at a pre-May Day press conference that states that have refused to pay the N18,000 minimum wage were acting against the laws of the land, pointing out that the NLC and the TUC would not fold their arms and watch those states act against the law.

    Adeyemi said the N18,000 minimum wage is no longer realistic as its value has reduced far below the expectations of Nigerian workers because of the collapse of the naira.

    He said: “The naira has collapsed beyond the expectations of every Nigerian. I recall that when we negotiated the N18,000 minimum wage, the exchange rate was about N145 to the dollar. As at this morning, it is about N321 and it is said to be stable.

    “So, if you do arithmetical calculation, you will realise that it is more than 100 per cent fall. What that means in effect is that the N18,000 itself has gone down beyond 100 per cent from the time it was negotiated. What it means is that what N18,000 can buy has reduced significantly.

    “So, you can’t say in good conscience that we must continue to insist that N18,000 should be what is still payable.

    “If you look at the inflationary trend and the crisis associated with the value of the currency and the unlawful imposition of increase in electricity tariff and every other thing, you find that there has been tremendous increase in the prices of services and commodities while the salary of the worker has remained stagnant.

    “The fact that some states in the country have decided not to obey the laws of the land is not a certificate for us to say we will not ask for an increase in minimum wage.

    “In fact, those states that have not paid the minimum wage are acting unlawfully and clearly, there is no way NLC and TUC will spare them.

    “Inflation has increased, the naira has lost its value and the current minimum wage had been completely eroded, therefore the need and urgency for a call for the review of the current national minimum wage.”

     Asked where the states would get the money to pay the N56,000 demanded by labour, Adeyemi said: “The resources will always be there. Even as we talk now, you find that while some states are not paying salaries, others are paying. It all depends on what you consider you priority.

    “You can’t say that those states that are paying salaries now have excess money. It is about prudent management of resources.

    “What we are saying is that where there is a will, there will always be a way. The resources will always be there for salaries and other essential things.

  • Why we are asking for new minimum wage – Labour

    Organised labour led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said on Friday that the failure of some states in the country to pay workers’ salaries will not stop them from demanding a review of the national minimum wage.

    Labour said apart from the fact that the minimum wage act was due for review, the fall in the value of the naira, the increase in electricity tariff, biting economic situation in the country and the increase in goods and services necessitated the demand for a review of the minimum wage from N18, 000 to N56, 000.

    The Deputy President of Congress and Chairman of the 2016 May Day committee, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, said at a pre-May Day press conference that states that had refused to pay the N18, 000 were acting against the laws of the land, pointing out that the NLC and the TUC will not fold their hands and watch those states act against the law.

    Adeyemi said the N18,000 minimum wage is no longer realistic as its value has reduced far below the expectations of Nigerian workers due to collapse of naira.

    He said “The naira has collapsed beyond the expectations of every Nigerian. I recall that when we negotiated the N18,000 minimum wage, the exchange rate then was about N145 to the dollar. As at this morning, it is about N321.00 and it is said to be stable.

    “So, if you do arithmetical calculation, you will realize that it is more than 100 percent fall. What that means in effect is that the N18,000 itself has gone down beyond 100 percent from the time it was negotiated. What mean is that what N18,000 can buy has reduced significantly.”

     

  • NLC cautions Kano on workers’ verification

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kano State has urged the state government to re-examine the list of ghost workers detected during its ongoing workers’ verification.

    Its Chairman in the state, Malam Kabiru Minjibir, made the call at a briefing in Kano.

    He said there was a need for the government to take cognisance of the fact that some workers were on training outside the country.

    “Also, some pensioners are not residing in the country after their service, yet they are pensioners in the state. We also identified some mix-up in the data provided by some government organs as part of their staff lists.

    “It will interest you to know that my humble self, the number one labour leader in the state after duly being captured in my area of assignment on March 18, was among the 7, 629 staff who did not appear for the exercise,” he said.

    According to Minjibir, many staff in active service, including directors, had been identified in the lists as those who have not been captured.

    He said the union in the state would not take it lightly if any of its genuine workers or pensioners was deleted from government’s payroll.

  • Jonathan exempted APC states from N2billion ecological funds – Oshiomhole

    Jonathan exempted APC states from N2billion ecological funds – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole on Thursday disclosed that All Progressives Congress (APC) states were exempted from the N2 billion ecological fund released to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) states by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    According to him, the last administration was discriminatory against some state governors in the distribution of bailout funds.

    He spoke with State House correspondents at the end of governors’ meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    In the face of the worsening state of the economy, Oshiomhole, however said that President Buhari has remained a rallying point for all state governments in the country irrespective of political affiliation.

    He said: “We are very lucky to have President Buhari at this time. I have been here now for seven and half years and I have had the opportunity to work with three Presidents,  that is the truth.

    “Under the last President it would have been impossible for us to approach Abuja to give us support because we have personal challenges. We have been given lectures on fiscal responsibility and all those kind of talks, even though the wastage was more here than any other place at that time.

    “We have a President who recognises that he is not just President of the federal government he is the president of the federation of which the states are part and regardless of our political affiliation, this is very important, everybody is able to ask this President to give him support and he is giving.

    “Whereas, in the recent past some PDP governors got N2 billion from ecology fund, we APC governors were not given.  But we promised to be different and I am happy this president is showing that difference,” he added.

    On the new proposal for increase of minimum wage by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), he said that he always believe in a living wage for workers.

    The governor said that he has been able to pay Edo State wor‎kers’ salaries despite the financial crunch because of his belief that their wages ranked high in terms of priorities for his government.

    According to him, there was no need for him to borrow to pay salaries as he had increased revenue generation from taxing the wealthy more in the state.