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Tag: Trade Union Congress

  • Labour to Nigerians: ensure violence-free 2019 elections

    Organised labour has urged Nigerians to reflect on how the forthcoming general elections could be conducted devoid of violence.

    Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama said Nigerians should embrace the virtues of personal sacrifices, piety and self denial. He called for dedication, discipline and diligence.

    He said the deficiency of these virtues were the fundamental reasons why countries that we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind, noting that the time to look beyond all “artificial social, political and economic divisions, including minor ethnic and religious differences in the society is now,” Kaigama said.

    He implored Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of their respective religions to reflect in their dealings, as they remain the only way to ensure peace and unity of the nation.

    “We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together. That is the new Nigeria we want,” Kaigama stated.

    Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) President Prince Williams Akporeha urged Nigerians to spare a word of prayer for Nigeria in the face of various economic challenges as the campaign for the 2019 national elections gathers momentum.

    “On our part, we will strive to do everything within our powers to maintain industrial peace in the country while we urge the government and relevant agencies to guarantee fairness, justice and equity on issues that have to do with workers’ welfare,” he said.

    He, however, called on the Federal Government to ensure that other parts of the harmonised version of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which has just been passed by the National Assembly, are speedily passed to help recover and maximise the industry’s operational capacity.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Wabba, noted that in view of the divisive political currents flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that Nigerians learn that united in love and sharing, the country stands divided in prejudice and hate, it falls.

    He said: “As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards a violence free and credible elections. It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the electorate will prevail and be respected.

    “Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building. The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organised labour for a New National Minimum Wage,” he said.

  • Pray for national peace, violence free election, Organised labour tells Nigerians

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and unity, while working towards a violence free and credible election during the 2019 general elections.

    The congress also asked the government to, in the spirit of the Eid-El- fits celebration listen to the cry of the Nigerian workers and approve the demand for a new minimum wage.

    In its message to Nigerian workers signed by the President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Congress expressed the hope that during the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorates will prevail and be respected.

    The message reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress celebrates with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-el-fitr. We congratulate all Muslim workers and indeed the Nigerian Muslim community for successfully concluding the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

    “Eid-el-fitr is a very important event in the life of every Muslim chiefly because of the virtues it embodies. Eid-el-fitr teaches denial, dedication, discipline and diligence.

    “Eid-el-fitr is also a time of stock taking as Muslims use the period of the Ramadan fasting to take an objective assessment of their areas of strength and weakness. The strengths are consolidated while the weaknesses are strengthened.

    “Eid-el-fitr teaches us to love and to share. In view of the divisive political current flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that we learn that united in love and sharing, we stand; divided in prejudice and hate, we fall!

    Read Also: NLC accuses govt of plotting to disintegrate labour

    “The NLC urges every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-fitr. Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building. The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organized labour for a New National Minimum Wage.

    “Organized labour appreciates all Muslims for praying for Nigeria during this year’s Ramadan. As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards violence free and credible elections. It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorate will prevail, be respected and the blessings of Eid-el-fitri will abide with us.”

    On its part, the the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said Nigerians must imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan in moving the country forward.

    In a statement signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozidi, the TUC said “We commend all Muslims faithful in Nigeria and all over the world for this all important spiritual exercise.

    “However, it goes beyond that – we must embrace the lessons of Ramadan which include personal sacrifices, piety and self-denial. The deficiency of these virtues is the fundamental reasons why countries we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind.

    “The time to look beyond all artificial social, political and economic divisions including minor ethnic and religious differences in society is now. All faithful must abide strictly with the teachings of the Koran and Prophet Mohammed.

    “We implore all Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of our respective religions to reflect in all our dealings, as it remains the way we can ensure peace and unity of the nation. We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together.  That is the new Nigeria we want.”

  • TUC decries insecurity, political volatility

    THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) is worried over the insecurity in the country. It has also condemned killings by Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and militiamen.

    Speaking with The Nation, its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, expressed concern over the volatile political situation and called on political leaders to ensure that peace and order are maintained among their followers.

    He urged the Federal Government to build citizens’ confidence in the system and ensure that the perpetrators of the killings and other heinous crimes are brought to book.

    Kaigama also enjoined politicians to avoid hate speeches so that the common man and workers can attain fulfilment.

    On minimum wage, he said: “We want to commend the Federal Government for the constitution of the Minimum Wage Committee. We implore the Committee to speed up proceedings to ensure that a new minimum wage will take effect not later than the agreed third quarter of the year.”

    He also said TUC had observed that the fight against corruption would not achieve the desired result without addressing the injustices being perpetrated by political office holders who collect multiple pensions and gratuities while still serving the government in another capacity. “This is not good for the economy,”he said.

    Kaigama said the current situation in which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is the sole provider of fuel to the nation and absorbing subsidies was not healthy for the nation and the corporation. He advised the government to reimburse the NNPC so as to enable it perform its primary obligation to the country.

    He said: “The Federal Government should begin immediate payment of all outstanding subsidy claims by the petroleum marketers under the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) administered Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) to avoid consequential job losses, which the nation can least afford.

    “These delays are also stopping payments of wages/salaries in the downstream sector in a scary dimension, which must not be allowed to degenerate further. It is expected that the government would engage the marketers as social partners under a special intervention arrangement that enables marketers purchase foreign exchange (forex) at concessionary rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).”

  • Salary Crisis: Labour unions threaten strike action in Kano

    Salary Crisis: Labour unions threaten strike action in Kano

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC ) and Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JNC)  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

  • NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    Striking workers of the National Population Commission ( NPC ) on Tuesday said their protest had been “put on hold’’ pending the response of the Federal Government to their demands.

    The President of the workers union, Mrs Rita Agaba, made this known in Abuja.

    She explained that the strike was put on hold following the intervention of the National Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) and Trade Union Congress.

    Agaba said the union members decided to put on hold the strike in respect of the NLC and TUC with offices reopened.

    However, the unionist maintained that they would operate a work-to-rule regime to facilitate dialogue and in anticipation of government positive response.

    Read also: Fire guts National Population Commission’s Lagos office

    The leadership of organised labour on January 29 directed the aggrieved NPC workers to suspend their strike to give room for dialogue.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) with his counterpart, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, President, Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) gave the directive while addressing the NPC staff in Abuja.

    Agaba also disclosed that the scheduled Jan. 30 meeting between leaders of the NPC workers’ union and the Secretary to Government of Federation had been postponed till further notice.

    Reports say that the NPC workers embarked on the strike in the last three weeks to protest the reappointment of their Director-General, Dr Ghaji Bello, by the federal government.

    The workers are also demanding for improved working condition and probe of the finances of the commission.

    NAN

  • Bayelsa owes only five months salary – Commissioner

    Bayelsa owes only five months salary – Commissioner

    The Bayelsa government on Thursday described the impression that it was owing workers between 10 and 16 months salary backlog as inaccurate and insisted that outstanding obligation to its workfore was four-and-a-half months.

    The state government clarified the status of indebtedness to labour in a statement issued by Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information.

    According to Iworiso-Markson, the arrears of four and half months accumulated in 2016 due to a sharp drop in the revenue profile of the state adding that following improvements in receipts from the federation account the state has no outstanding salary in 2017 fiscal year.

    Bayelsa Deputy Governor Rear Admiral John Jonah had on November 7 announced that the state government withheld the October 2017 salary of some 4, 200 workers in the local government system accused of involvement in payroll fraud.

    Messrs John Ndiomu and Tari Dounana, Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress respectively had challenged the state government to provide evidence for its action and prosecute those indicted as the unions would not support illegality.

    The Bayelsa government further said that it had nothing to do with the salary backlog in the councils as the local governments in Bayelsa enjoyed financial autonomy.

    Read also: How much does Dickson owe civil servants in Bayelsa?

    “As a matter of state policy, the Seriake Dickson’s administration does not tamper with local government allocations. This fact must be stressed because of the falsehood being peddled in some quarters that the state is owing local government workers.

    “It is public knowledge that government is waging a war against an endemic payroll fraud in the civil service in Bayelsa.

    “Last week, the state government in a bid to ensure a holistic implementation of the reforms introduced by the governor, withheld the salaries of 4,200 personnel suspected to be involved in the systemic fraud in the state.

    “Also, intensified efforts are being made to sanitize the system that has left the eight local government areas of the state with an unimaginable size of wage bill. The motive of the reforms is to have a wage bill with only genuine workers.

    “However, state owes salary arrears of four and a half months from last year when the economic recession was at its peak.

    “The government was compelled to pay half salaries at the time for six months because of the issue of paucity of funds caused by the recession. Even some of the outstanding arrears have been paid thereby reducing the figure to four and half months,” the statement read in part.

    NAN

  • Unpaid salaries: Organised labour threaten mass action in Kogi

    Unpaid salaries: Organised labour threaten mass action in Kogi

    The organised labour in Kogi has threatened to call out its members for mass action, should government continues to default in the payment of salary to its workers.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) issued the threat in a statement in Lokoja on Tuesday.

    Messrs Olakunle Faniyi, secretary of NLC, Mr James Kolawole, TUC and Mr Isa Abubakar of the JPSNC.

    They said that the mass action was to protest government’s insensitivity and indifference to the plight of their members that had not been paid salaries for between two and 21 months.

    The officers said though the unions directed the workers in the state to embark on indefinite strike since Sept. 27, the state government were yet to invite them for negotiation.

    They said that workers would not succumb to threat of sack and called on them to remain firm and committed to the struggle.

    “It is the right of workers to embark on strike when their employers have failed to meet with the terms of employment, therefore the principle of ‘no-pay-no-work’ also applies,” the unions said.

    NLC, TUC and JPSNC commiserated with the family of late Edward Soje who committed suicide on Oct. 16 ( NAN)

  • Strike notice: ULC is blackmailing FG to get registration – NLC, TUC

    Strike notice: ULC is blackmailing FG to get registration – NLC, TUC

    Organised Labour made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 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, 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.”

  • Zamfara workers begin indefinite strike

    Zamfara workers begin indefinite strike

    Workers under the employment of  Zamfara government on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike for the failure of the government to meet their several demands.

    The workers had earlier given the government a 21-day ultimatum to meet certain demands or face industrial action.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state,  Bashir Mafara, announced the decision after  a joint meeting of the affiliated unions in Gusau.

    He said, Zamfara workers were faced with a number of problems which include failure to pay the salaries of 1,400 recruited by the government more than two years ago, non payment of backlog of pension and gratuities, non payment of minimum wage to primary school teachers and local government employees as well as non payment of  annual salary increment.

    He said the two labour unions, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, had  decided to declare an indefinite industrial action throughout the state from Sept. 12.

    Mafara urged all workers to stay at home and pray.

    The chairman said three  ad hoc committees have been constituted to ensure the success of the strike.

    He  also called of understanding among the workers in the state noting that, the action was aimed at improving the workers’ welfare and development of the state.

  • Sovereignty of Nigeria not negotiable -Labour

    Sovereignty of Nigeria not negotiable -Labour

    Organised Labour Movement in the country has urged Nigerians to stand up with one voice and fight those promoting division on the basis of primordial affinity in the country.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) gave the advise at a news conference jointly addressed by the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) and Civil Society Allies on the state of the nation in Abuja.

    Wabba said it was to make their positions clear in unequivocal terms on the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria on the drum beats of war in the country.

    “You have been witnesses to the degeneration of the national conversation into threats and counter-threats; pulling down the federation by some desperate forces and which are being conveyed in vile and base language.

    “These persistent hot exchange and attacks tend to threaten the foundation and integrity of our sovereignty and unity.

    “These do not represent the true feelings of patriotic Nigerians for one another.

    “Rather, they symbolise the intensity of greed, implacable arrogance, and desperation of the elites, some of whom have been sponsoring the hate campaigns that can only lead to the disintegration of our dear nation.

    “Thus, those fanning the embers of disunity needs to be discouraged and schooled on the realities of war, we appeal to all Nigerians,” he said.

    He, therefore, called on Nigerian workers, pensioners and peasants not to allow themselves to be used as cannon folders for the selfish interest.

    Wabba said that over the decades, labour had stood for “one Nigeria” and still committed to the values of the founding fathers.

    He said that the labour movement was determined to stop those throwing the nation to another avoidable civil war.

    He further decried the escalating social and economic injustice, poor living conditions of people, inability of several states government to pay living wage or even ensure the payment of salaries as and when due.

    The labour leader listed others as massive unemployment, lack of productivity as a result of de-industrialisation, galloping inflation, devaluation of the currency among others.

    “We should therefore look at positive options, peaceful, rigorous and altruistic of reforming the system.

    “We will continue to underscore the need for good governance in our country as a basis for any realistic development and eventual emancipation of our people.

    “As the issues in contention can be resolved through good governance, sustainable and transparent fight against corruption and addressing inequities and injustice in the system,” he said.

    Also, the TUC president, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, while speaking on true federalism, called for the accountability of the electorate in the country.

    Kaigama called on government to set up a strong think-tank to look at the 2014 National Conference report as it was vital for development and stability of the country.

    He noted that the current government only had 30 per cent participation in the National Conference and that the report should not be abandoned.

    Speaking, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) called on Nigerians to look at the things that bind them together and not things that will separate them.

    Falana said that there was no nation without challenges and problems, but the ability of the country to overcome the challenges remain the main issue.

    On the issue of restructuring, `We cannot be having political restructuring without economy restructuring. “If you are talking about restructuring, you cannot be selling the assets of the country to individuals.

    “Those who are talking about restructuring are not interested in the Chapter 2, of the Constitution, which is the fundamental objective that states shall be made justifiable towards the right to education.

    “The right to health, the right to unemployment benefits and the right to a living wage and we must remind them to address these social services of our people,” he added.