The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Trade Union Congress (TUC)

  • NLC, TUC protest rising cost of living

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday staged a protest at the National Assembly complex, Abuja over the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

    The NLC Chairman, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said that the groups were protesting the delay in the upward review of minimum wage amidst increasing cost of items in the country.

    “We are here to demand for good governance and express our support in the fight against corruption.

    “More importantly, we demand for respect for rule of law, greater accountability and transparency in governance,’’ Wabba said.

    He expressed worry that Nigerian workers had been the major victims of the fall-out of corruption and bad governance.

    “Today the dollar rate is one Naira to 500 dollars and the salaries of Nigerian workers have remained the same.

    “Therefore, we are here to urge the National Assembly to play an important role to ensure that life is made better for Nigerians.

    “We cannot succeed if the fight against corruption does not succeed.

    “We appreciate the efforts by the National Assembly to ensure financial autonomy for the local governments and this must be sustained because money meant for the local governments does not get there.’’

    The NLC chairman further expressed concern that in spite of the bailout funds to states for workers’ salaries, “the living condition of workers have not been improved because many are not paid’’.

    He explained that pensioners in the country were owed up to 77 months and called on the National Assembly to synergise with other arms of government to pay them.

    Contributing, the TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama said that the inflation rate in the country was growing astronomically.

    Kaigama said that it was time for governments at all tiers to go back to the drawing board to revive the country’s economy.

    “Whatever it takes, we must review the structure of our economy.

    “If we must kill corruption, the laws have to come from the National Assembly.

    “Nigerians are hungry, the cost of living is high, no houses, no light and factories have gone comatose,’’ Kaigama said.

    Responding, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said it was time to go into action towards addressing the numerous challenges confronting Nigerians.

    According to him, we need to sit down and work out how to make necessary adjustments.
    “It can’t continue this way, the exchange rate is high, cost of things in the market have gone high but only the workers’ salaries remain the same.

    “By the next time we will meet, I will tell you what the National Assembly has done to improve the living condition of Nigerians,’’ Saraki said.

  • NLC, TUC threaten protest, strike action in Edo

    NLC, TUC threaten protest, strike action in Edo

    Organized Labour in Edo State has threatened to embark on a mass protest and began an indefinite strike action if Governor Godwin Obaseki failed to meet their demands within seven days.

    The Labour movement made up of Nigeria Labour Congress (TUC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) issued the ultimatum at an enlarged State Executive Council meeting.

    It rejected the implementation of the contributory pension scheme which it said was done in ‘flagrant and total disregard to due process and rule of law.

    The Labour movement called on Governor Obaseki to urgently stop what it termed unlawful deductions from workers’ salaries and maintain status quo ante in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in the state.

    Addressing journalist after the meeting, State Chairman of NLC, Emmanuel Ademokun, condemned the non-utilization of about N11.3bn Paris Club refund received by the state government for the payment of outstanding workers’ pension and emoluments.

    Comrade Ademokun called on Governor Obaseki to immediately use the Paris Club refund to pay local government workers whose salaries arrears ranged from between four to 14 months.

    Other categories of workers to be paid from the fund according to Ademokun are staff of Tayo Akpata University and Colleges of Education in the state, Judiciary staff who are owed seven months salaries arrears, pensioners in both the state and local government and the 2016 Leave Transport Grant owes Primary School Teaching and non-teaching staff.

    Ademokun also called for the opening of the State Pension Board and arrears of salaries owed staff of the Pension Board since December, 2015.

    According to him, “That Organised Labour in Edo State can no longer repose confidence and trust in the administration of Mr. Governor because his policy decision are anti-workers and therefore repugnant to the principle of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

    “The State Government should open the window for a more comprehensive dialogue with the leadership of organized Labour in the state towards having a more reliable, dependable, transparent, purposeful and accountable Contributory Pension Scheme in the state.

    Ademokun gave Governor Obaseki till Sunday February 12 to meet the workers’ demand or face mass protest onFebruary 13 to be followed by an indefinite strike action on the 14th of February.

    When contacted for comments, Chief Press Secretary to Obaseki, Mr. John Mayaki said the Governor would soon address journalists on the matter.

    As at press time, Governor Obaseki was yet to address the press.

  • Unpaid salaries: TUC issues five-day ultimatum to Oyo govt

    Unpaid salaries: TUC issues five-day ultimatum to Oyo govt

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC), in Oyo State has issued a five-day ultimatum to the state government to immediately offset a back log of unpaid salaries and arrears which now hit eight month mark.

    The Chairman of TUC, Comrade Andrew Emelieze issued this warning in Ibadan while briefing journalist following the expiration of a grace period offered to the government.

    The union who described the alliance between the Oyo State government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as unholy further emphasised that a ‎recent agreement signed to end the industrial logjam was not a true reflection of the yearnings of the various unions.

    “We condemn in strong term the agreement between Oyo Governmnt  and  NLC. ‎ It is totally condemned and vindictive. We shall not accept all this condition. It is fraud  and we will not be part of such agreement that is inimical to the future of workers.” he said

    Emelieze said:” That an extra five days ultimatum be given to the state government to pay all outstanding arrears with interest. That the people should start preparing for a mass action to occupy the state secretariat on August 8, 2016 should the government refuse to meet our demands.

    “‎you will recall that the Oyo State Government and the NLC entered into an unholy alliance by signing a lactiferous and satanic agreement that is inimical to industrial harmony in the state. The agreement is illegal, illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable to the TUC.

    “We condemn it in strong term as we see the sophisticated and nonsensical resolution which allows government to sack workers‎ and reduce work-force. The agreement is baseless and callous; we reject it in all its form and entity. It is a product only good for the dust bin.”

    He also condemns the recent pronouncement by the state government to restrict the public service aimed at sacking workers in the state.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogundiran‎ said that there was a subsisting Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government and all the unions in the state‎ but noted that the leadership of the public service JNC was not carried along in the present agreement that was signed.

    “Our jurisdiction has been encroached. All stakeholders must come together to put an end to all this shortcoming. Government should do the needful,” he said.

  • TUC in Oyo decries workers’ condition, threatens mass action

    TUC in Oyo decries workers’ condition, threatens mass action

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State has decried the living condition of workers in the state, vowing to embark on mass action if the situation persisted.

    The TUC Chairman, Mr Emelieze Andrew, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that urgent steps must be taken by states and the Federal Government to tackle the development.

    He also said TUC would embark on a mass protest at the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum it issued on Monday.

    Lamenting that the economic challenges were biting hard on Nigerian workers, Andrew advised governors finding it difficult to pay salaries to rise up to the challenge or consider resignation.

    He recalled that Monday’s protest in Ibadan was against the backlog of arrears of promotion entitlement, gratuities and pension owed Federal Government workers.

    “The economy is bad to the extent that a litre of kerosene is now N200 and people are no longer finding it easy to cope with life.

    “This is the reason why we are pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to work hard to restore the economy back to the path of growth.

    “We also appeal to governors, who are unable to pay workers’ salaries, to seek assistance from the Federal Government or evolve other strategies, ’’ he said.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress in the state had declared an indefinite strike over the non-payment of salaries and government’s education policy aimed at promoting private participation in the management of schools.

    The NLC is also seeking the withdrawal of the criminal suit instituted against some labour leaders over alleged destruction of public property in Ibadan.

  • Ondo workers begin indefinite strike June 1

    Ondo workers begin indefinite strike June 1

    Civil Servants in Ondo State are to begin an indefinite strike action on Wednesday, June 1, to protest non-payment of over five months salary.

    The strike notice is contained in a communiqué issued in Akure by the state Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    It said that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the labour unions which reviewed the failure of the state government to pay the workers since January 2016.

    “It has become unbearable that workers have not received salaries for the past five months at a stretch.

    “That non-payment of salaries to workers have affected the wellbeing of workers/pensioners economically, socially, psychologically and health wise.

    “That workers of Ondo State can no longer bear this situation, in view of the untold hardship suffered by these workers,” it added.

    The unions, therefore, directed all civil servants in the state to remain at home beginning from June 1, until the government settles the salary arrears.

    The communiqué was signed by the state NLC Chairman, Bose Daramola, NLC Secretary, Adewale Sanusi, JNC Chairman, Sunday Adeleye, his Secretary Akinlolu Oluwole, as well as TUC Chairman and Secretary Ekundayo Soladoye and Fatuase Clement, respectively.

  • 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.

  • Labour to El-Rufai: publish names of those aiding ghost workers

    Labour to El-Rufai: publish names of those aiding ghost workers

    The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Kaduna State has urged Governor Nasir El-Rufai to substantiate his claims and publish the names of the workers aiding and abetting ghost workers.It said the call became imperative, considering the huge sum of money alleged to be involved monthly, which was big enough to assist the government in its developmental programmes.

    In a statement issued yesterday by Comrades Adamu Ango and Shehu Mohammed, chairman of NLC and TUC, the leaders said union membership was a constitutional issue, which was above the jurisdiction of any state government. “Labour unions will resist any attempt to polarise and create disharmony among their members.”

    The leaders said: “No amount of campaign of calumny from any quarter will deter us from demanding our right.”

  • Death of Osun TUC leader, rude shock – Aregbesola

    Death of Osun TUC leader, rude shock – Aregbesola

    The Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described as a rude shock, the news of the death of former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun, Comrade Francis Adetunji.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon.

    According to the statement, the death of Comrade Adetunji is a big blow to the state, it’s TUC Chapter and the labour union in general.

    It further quoted the Governor as saying: “The deceased labour leader was a great labour activists and leader of purpose.

    “Comrade Adetunji was a union leader, who knew when to fight and when to employ dialogue whenever there was a disagreement between labour and the government.”

    Aregbesola commended the deceased for his understanding and the commitment to Government/labour relationship when he was the chairman.

    The statement reads in part: “The death of Comrade Francis Adetunji is indeed a very devastating one.

    “We received it with heavy heart and felt very sad that a vibrant, articulate and objective labour leader suddenly bowed out at this critical time.

    “Comrade Adetunji’s death is a big blow to us in the state and to the TUC Chapter in the state and across Nigeria.

    “Adetunji’s death will leave a huge gulf in labour unionism here in Osun and the entire country.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Osun, we convey our heartfelt condolences to Comrade Adetunji’s family – immediate and extended, TUC/NLC in Osun and the the national labour union.

    “May his soul rest in peace and find a permanent abode in paradise.”