The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Trade Union Congress (TUC)

  • Workers’ strike paralyses Lagos judiciary

    The court rooms of the Lagos State Judiciary were shut to adjudication of cases as workers stayed away to observe the nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to press home their demand improved minimum wage.

    As a result, lawyers and litigants who came to the courts were turned back at the gate by security guards keeping watch over the court premises.

    The NLC and TUC are asking for N50,000 as against the present N18,000  as minimum wage for workers in the public and organized private sectors across the country.

    The premises of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja was quiet like a grave yard on Thursday.

    All the doors of the court rooms were chained and padlocked by workers to prevent proceedings from taking place.

    The Chief Registrar, Mrs Taiwo Olatokun who arrived Ikeja High Court could not gain access to her office as the main door of the administrative building was also put in chain and padlocked.

    Mrs Olatokun stood by the main gate and was seen discussing with some heads of departments of the judiciary. They left when it became clear that workers were not going to open the offices.

    However, the security men spread out all over the premises of Ikeja high court to ensure safety of properety.

    None of the officials of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) were on ground to answer media enquiries on Thursday.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress had on Wednesday directed all its members and affiliate unions to commence a nationwide strike yesterday after a stalemated meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

    The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said the industrial action would commence due to the refusal of the Federal Government to reconvene the meeting of the tripartite national minimum wage committee to enable it to conclude its work.

    He said, “In compliance with this mandate, all workers and private sector at all levels across the country have been directed to comply.

    “All public and private institutions, offices, banks, schools, public and private business premises, including filling station, are to remain shut till further notice.

  • Kogi labour unions order shut down of private, public offices

    The organised labour in Kogi has directed workers in the private and public sectors to embark on a seven-day strike with effect from Sept. 27.

    The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

    Messr Onu Edoka, Ranti Ojo and Aaron Akeji, state Chairmen of NLC, TUC and JPSNC respectively, signed the statement on behalf of the unions.

    According to the statement, the declaration of the strike is in line with the position of the national leadership of the unions to press home the demand for a new minimum wage.

    Read Also: Labour serves one-week strike notice in Kogi

    It directed that all public and private offices at state and local government levels be shut down, saying that workers should remain at home within the stipulated period of the strike and await further directive.

    The organized Labour said it was monitoring events on the N15 billion London and Paris Club refund recently released to the to the state government.

    “We await the setting up of committee for the disbursement of the fund as being done in other states,” the statement said.

  • Ekiti workers angry with Fayose over purchase of N75 million Jeep

    …NLC, TUC say governor insensitive to workers’ suffering

    Workers in Ekiti State are angry with Governor Ayo Fayose over the purchase of N75 million Lexus jeep 2018 model as a “parting gift” less than fifty days to exit from office.

    They also slammed the governor for alleged N43 million severance benefits for him and his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    The state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the vehicle purchase and severance package was an act of insensitivity to the plight of the workers.

    Read Also:Fayose’s aide speaks on N75 million Lexus “parting gift”

    The unions wondered why a governor who has refused to pay backlog of salaries would be contemplating buying of exotic vehicle and paying himself severance as partying gifts.

    Government workers are owed between five and eight month arrears of salaries while retirees are owed about nine month arrears of pensions.

    In a joint statement on Friday signed by the state NLC Chairman, Mr. Ade Adesanmi and his TUC counterpart, Mr. Odunayo Adesoye, also described the “parting gifts” to Fayose and Olusola as “selfish.”

    The workers’ leaders said Fayose ought to have been concerned with how the backlog of arrears of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions will be paid.

    According to them, “there would be industrial crisis in the state, if the governor proceeded with his plans in paying himself and his Deputy that huge amount and purchasing the new vehicle.”

    The “If it is true that the state government has approved the purchase of N74million worth of vehicle as parting gift and N43 million severance package each for the governor and his deputy.

    “We stand to condemn it in its entirety, it is an act of selfishness and insensitive to the plight of workers and pensioners in Ekiti State.

    “If a government is owing workers several arrears of salaries and at this critical time that the state ought to have mopped up all its resources to ensure that the outstanding salary arrears and other
    entitlement are defrayed, that the governor as an individual is now clamouring for the payment of severance allowance and take away gift of N74 million Utility Sport Vehicle.

    “We call on the governor to desist from such act and look for a way to pay workers’ salaries and if government should go ahead with this action there will be industrial crisis in Ekiti state,” the union leaders said.

    On the allegations of illegal sale of state assets leveled against Fayose, Adesanmi said, “I don’t think that act is right.

    “We stand to condemn it as well, because if property has been existing for several years now and has not been sold by previous governments and you have just few weeks to exit and you are putting them up for sale.

    “It is condemnable and people buying that kind of property should know that this is not right, the incoming government would set up administrative panel to look into it.”

    When contacted for reaction, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Lanre Ogunsuyi said he had no comment on the allegations.

  • Obaseki assures Edo workers of timely completion of Labour House, industrial harmony

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured workers in the state, that the construction of the Labour House Complex would be completed in record time.

    Obaseki gave the assurance at the foundation laying ceremony for the proposed State Labour House Complex, in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, Edo State, noting, “the state government will work closely with workers to ensure that we do not record strikes in the state.”

    He said the state will work to ensure that the edifice is completed by meeting its obligations, stressing, “This beautiful edifice would be completed in record time. If there is delay in completing the building, the contractor should be held accountable.”

    He commended the foresight of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the steps taken to ensure the State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) gets a befitting complex, adding, “I am here today to execute what Comrade Oshiomhole started.”

    Obaseki noted that Comrade Oshiomhole allocated the land for the project, completed the building design and came up with a plan to source fund for the project.

    “It was his vision that, since the state has produced great labour leaders for the union in the past, it would only be befitting to have a beautiful edifice to serve as the Labour House.

    Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokuo, commended the Godwin Obaseki-led administration for his worker-friendly policies, which have improved workers’ productivity.

    He thanked the former governor of the state for taking the bold step to ensure that Labour as a body in the state, has a befitting building to call its own.

    Ademokuo expressed appreciation to the former governor Oshiomhole for uniting the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC in the state, noting “In developing the plan for the proposed labour house, the former governor insisted that the complex should accommodate both groups.”

    He assured Governor Obaseki of workers’ support and assured, “We will continue to support your administration to ensure that it delivers the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.”

    Chairman of the State Council of the TUC, Comrade Marshal Orhue, said members of the TUC are confident that the Obaseki-led administration’s developmental strides will deliver expected benefits to the state and her people.

    Read Also: Better days ahead, Obaseki tells Edo pensioners

  • Workers’ Day: NANS urges FG, states to implement new minimum wage

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently implement the new minimum wage as the present N18,000 was “grossly insufficient for any worker.’’

    NANS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Bestman Okereafor, made the call in a statement made available to the News Men on Tuesday in Enugu.

    Okereafor said that the leadership of NANS was joining millions of Nigerian workers in solidarity as they celebrate this year’s workers’ day.

    According to him, NANS appreciates the positive impacts of Nigerian workers and their contributions to the nation building.

    “In lieu of this we are joining our voice with the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to demand for the implementation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers considering the economic situation in the country.

    “It is clear and obvious that N18,000 is insufficient to meet the present economic demands of a Nigerian worker.

    “It is noted that workers, who create wealth for a nation, must be adequately taken care of as this will equally go a long way in curtailing corruption in our beloved country.

    “NANS is finally calling on Nigerian workers to remain steadfast and committed to the service to humanity and father land,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Salary Crisis: Kano workers set for three days warning strike

    Salary Crisis: Kano workers set for three days warning strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC ) and e have threatened to embark on a 3-day warning strike if the state government fail to resolve the lingering salary crisis that affects workers in Kano  State.

    Speaking to reporters at the NUJ Press Centre, on behalf of the unions, the NLC chairman, Kano chapter,  Kabiru Ado Minjibir, said the decision was imperative in view of the protracted inconsistencies in the payment of monthly salaries to workers,  as well as deducting their hard-earned income without justification.

    The communique also decried the non-payment of outstanding 8 months salary arrears of the Primary Healthcare Management Board (PHCMB), regularised staff recruited in 2015, amounting to N532.4 million.

    The communique also bemoaned the non-payment of outstanding 8 and 4 months salary arrears of Kano State Senior Secondary Management Board (KSSSSMB)  staff regularised in 2015,  amounting to over N220 million.

    The communique also called on the government to stop engaging consultants on salary issues by May, 2018, advising the government handover to qualified and suitable civil servants.

    Saying “N80 million was saved in 2017 when workers were allowed to handle the salary payment, inline with the jurisdictional scope as obtainable at the federal Civil Servants, as well as neighboring states like Jigawa, ”

    They challenged the state government to clarify the basis upon which the sum of N367. 50 and N168. 00 is being deducted from the monthly salaries of workers and pensioners, respectively.

    “In the event that the government failed to respond positively to the aforementioned issues of serious concern to the workers between now and 5th March, 2018, the two labour centres, NLC  and TUC  as well as the JNC, would be left with no option than to embark on a 3-day warning strike, ” the communique said

  • Nigerian women advised on healthy living

    Nigerian women advised on healthy living

    The President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Bobboi Kaigama, on Friday, advised women to take their health seriously as they pursue their goals in attaining successful careers.

    Kaigama gave the advice during a seminar by the TUC Women Commission with the theme “Women and Trade Union: The Gains and The future” in Abuja.

    The union boss, represented by the President of PENGASSAN, Mr Francis Olabode, said the life and health of any career woman was important to the labour movement, as well as her immediate family and the nation.

    He said “Nigeria is so bright; women are seen as good managers of resources, especially during austere periods.

    “I will implore you all to take your health issues seriously as the saying goes health is wealth.”

    Read Also: ‘Women short-changed in politics’

    He said women were at the receiving end and bore the brunt in the home front with the increase in unemployment rate.

    Kaigama said “the role of women cannot be over-emphasised and their achievements unquantifiable,” noting that the union had provided opportunities for women in leadership positions.

    The Chairperson of TUC, Mrs Oyinkansola Olasanoye, said women were usually disadvantaged and discriminated against, saying they should be given opportunities in leadership positions.

    She, however, advised women to be supportive to their spouses, adding that their career should not affect their home.

    The Women Leader, National Auditor of TUC, Mrs Esther Ahmadu, said women should remain focused, united and stop the ‘pull down’ syndrome.

    She said the aim of the seminar was to address some of their challenges and proffer solutions to them.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TUC Women Commission consists of women from the union affiliated to the TUC of Nigeria.

  • Strike Notice: UCL is blackmailing FG to get registration – NLC, TUC

    Strike Notice: UCL is blackmailing FG to get registration – NLC, TUC

    Organised Labour made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Friday accused the yet to be registered United Labour Congress (UCL) led by Joe Ajaero of blackmailing government into setting aside legal requirements to register them, and declare that only registered trade union and federations has the legal right to declare a strike.

    The NLC and the TUC said at a joint news conference in Abuja that the while the United Labour Congress which is yet to be registered has no legitimate right to call for a general strike, only the various unions have the right to call for a strike, adding that at the moment, none of the existing unions who are believed to be affiliates of the ULC have not declared any strike.

    Presidents of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and TUC, Bobboi Kaigama asked workers to disregard the strike called by the ULC saying it violates the Labour of the country, pointing out that the real intention of the promoters of the ULC was to compel government to register them as the Federation of Trade Unions.

    Wabba describe the ULC ultimatum as a mere attention seeking gimmick, adding that they have also resorted to an exercise intent on blackmail with the ultimate goal of using this weapon to obtain registration, we feel constrained to making the following comments on the unfolding situation.

    He said “despite listing twelve (12) demands in their 11th September press statement, we have no doubt that those behind the ultimatum were only hoping to blackmail the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to register their association as a central labour organisation, as they stated in their demand numbers 9-12..

    “We have no doubt the officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour would deal with the situation as the laws of the country governing labour relations are very clear on the procedure guiding registrations of Trade Unions and trade union centres.

    “Against the background of persistent mischief and dragging the names of our two centres to the mud by the promoters of the United Labour Congress, it has become pertinent to once again recall the events leading to their current desperation.”

    He said the promoters of the ULC have just collected forms for the registration of dozens of “shell trade unions or trade unions without membership”, adding that rather than wait to get registration, they just proclaimed their existence, perhaps because they know very well that by the extant laws-the Trade Union Act, and the Trade Union Amendment Act, there was no way they could get recognition and registration for the dozen or so “Shell Unions”.

    “These mushroom Unions were carried out of existing industrial unions. However, the Trade Unions Act CAP T14, LFN, 2004, Section 3 (2) provided that: “But no trade union shall be registered to represent workers or employers in a place, where there already exists a trade union”.

    “These fake Unions had not being registered, and would not be registered since all the areas have effective Union coverage presently that are affiliates of the NLC and TUC.

    “We had pointed out in our January 18th, 2017 letter to the Honourable Minister of the dangers posed by the activities of these erstwhile colleagues of ours, who rather than accept the decision of Nigerian workers to reject their leadership, are bent on creating anarchy in the industrial relations system in the country, by trying to register these mushroom and member-less Unions.

    “In the same letter, we had drawn attention to the fact that under the 2005 amendment to the section 34 of the Principal Act, it was clearly stated that a (new) federation of trade union(s) may be registered if (a) I (b): “it is made up of 12 or more trade unions, none of which shall have been a member of another registered federation of trade unions”.

    “The main promoters of the so-called new federation are individuals from NUEE and NUPENG both are affiliates of the NLC. By the extant law as passed just some years ago, they cannot form another federation.”

    On his part, TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama said the Labour laws of the federation is very clear that un-registered trade unions and federation(s) are prohibited from functioning. Under this section, a federation of trade unions shall not come into existence until it is registered.

    He said “Our erstwhile colleagues are therefore trying to take advantage of the unstable security and industrial relation situation in the country to increase the tension and give bad name to trade unionism.

    “Nigerians need to know that they are not a legitimate organisation recognised by the laws of our country. They are largely a collection of individuals who find it difficult to accept the will of Nigerian workers, as very clearly demonstrated during the March 12-13 2015 election that took place at the Eagle Square, Abuja in which they were roundly defeated.

    “We wish to state without equivocation that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has acted within the confines of the law by not registering ULC and the phantom Unions they put forward. No unregistered organisations or individuals can hold our dear country to ransom.

    “We urge the Federal Ministry of Labour and workers to discountenance the threats of this illegal association. The ministry must be steadfast in upholding the laws governing trade union practice in the country.”

  • NLC: Zamfara gets 21-day ultimatum

    NLC: Zamfara gets 21-day ultimatum

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Zamfara state chapter, has given the government 21-day ultimatum to meet workers demands or face “total strike action.”

    The state chairman of the NLC, Malam Bashir Mafara, made the announcement on Monday in Gusau while addressing newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was jointly organised by the state chapters of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    Mafara alleged that the government had in the last six years (since the inception of the Gov. Yari-led administration), consistently failed to address workers issues.

    He also alleged that the government had relegated workers to “second-class citizens” and failed to meet agreements it reached with labour leaders to address workers needs.

    He said that the government had also failed to implement the N18,000 minimum wage, adding that some teachers and local government staff still receive N7,000 per month.

    The chairman pointed out that despite legislation which stipulates that pension is reviewed every five years, some retirees in the state receive N4,000 as their monthly pension.

    He alleged that the government had not involved labour in the disbursement of the bailout funds it received from the federal government.

    He also alleged that the funds had been diverted by the government.

    Marafa said that though vacancies were created in the civil service as a result of deaths, retirements and transfers among others, the government failed to carry out recruitment during the period.

    He alleged that the government had not paid salary to the 1,400 graduates that were employed in 2014.

    He warned that the two unions would commence “total strike action’’ if the government failed to respond their demands at the expiration of the ultimatum.

  • FCT bus conductors support establishment of conductors’ association nationwide

    FCT bus conductors support establishment of conductors’ association nationwide

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) bus conductors on Thursday expressed readiness to dignify their job and support the establishment of Bus Conductor Association of Nigeria (BCAN) nationwide.

    The conductors insisted that the establishment of the association would checkmate the activities of touts and dignify their job.

    Some of them who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews said that forming an association for conductors was a good initiative.

    A conductor, Monday Aliyu said that in FCT, the services of conductors were mostly in the motor parks, adding that touts had already taken over their business.

    He said that the activities of those touts in the name of conductors had made so many commercial drivers to avoid picking passengers at the motor parks instead they would pick passengers along the road.

    “Having a conductors association is a very good idea. The Lagos government is already supporting them and it will be very nice if it is operational in Abuja.

    “There are no conductors like that in Abuja, only few in the parks and they are called ‘agbaro’.

    “So if the association will register and organise the conductors in a way that no touts will be able to operate again, it will be great,’’ he said.

    Another conductor, Ishola Kareem said that the idea of making  bus conducting formal was a welcome development.

    Kareem, however, said the establishment of the association would also help to reduce crime and criminality, usually perpetrated by the “bad eggs’’ or touts.

    NAN reports that BCAN members have undergone series of training under the Lagos State Government and the association was officially affiliated with Trade Union Congress (TUC) on April 27.

    The Lagos State Government planned to launch the wearing of uniforms, name tags and badges to enforce decorum and ensure safety of duly registered members and members of the public.

    The official launching of BCAN Lagos chapter will be held on Thursday Aug. 3 in Lagos.