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Tag: TUC

  • Tariff hike: NLC, TUC shut Kaduna DISCO

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday joined their counterparts across the country to protest the 45 per cent hike  in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), as they shut the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.

    The labour unions stormed the zonal headquarters of the electricity firm as early as 7:00am and locked the gate.

    The union members, who chanted solidarity songs in between speeches, vowed to continue the protest until Federal Government reverses the increment.

    The  former Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu, who led the labour unions in the state to picket the company, said it became necessary after all efforts to make the federal government to  shelve the the increment failed.

    According to him, Nigerians are paying more than they consume for electricity supply and wondered why the federal government should increase the tariff when the supply has not improved.

     

  • NLC, TUC to shut down DISCOS on Monday

    NLC, TUC to shut down DISCOS on Monday

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are to commence a mass action against the recent 45 percent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission across the country on Monday.
    The NLC said that the mass action which is expected to hold in the 36 states and Abuja will see the Congress and their civil society allies picketing Electricity Distribution companies.
    The union said “our members have been sufficiently mobilized and are ready to go. If you are an electricity consumer and you are not happy with the bills electricity companies serve you every month, you are invited to join this protest rally.
    “The Abuja rally will start at Labour House, Central Business District at 8.00am before moving to the NERC head office at Adamawa Plaza, Plot 1099, First Avenue, Off Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District. From the NERC office, the rally will roll to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company at Zone 4. The rally will mobilise from there to the National Assembly”
    Meanwhile, the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) wants President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately review the power sector reform embarked upon by the previous government with a view to increasing public sector involvement.
    General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Issa Aremu who made the call in a statement in Abuja said the promise by the government to revive textile industries in the country will not be possible without improved power supply.
    Aremu who said the union was fully in support of the planned picketing by labour and their civil society allies of all offices of the electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) nationwide including Abuja on Monday said the government should listen to suggestions of power sector unions on the issue.

  • New electricity tariff: NLC, TUC to picket DISCOs nationwide

    New electricity tariff: NLC, TUC to picket DISCOs nationwide

    The extended labour unions, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have set machinery in motion to picket the offices of the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) nationwide, The Nation has learnt.

    Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Lagos at the weekend, NLC president Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his counterpart at TUC, Comrade Bobbi Kagama, and Messrs Adeola Samiel-Ilori, Coordinator, Electricity Consumer Protection Forum, Toluwani Yemi-Adebiyi, a human right activist and Chinedu Bosah, publicity secretary, CDWR, described as illegal, unfair and unjustifiable a further exploitation of the exploited Nigerians the intention to increase electricity tariff come February 1st, 2016.

    Justifying the need for the rejection of the new tariff they said due process was not followed in line with Section 76 of the Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

    Besides, they said there has been no significant improvement in service delivery just as they accused the DISCOs of reneging on the memorandum of understanding in which the latter promised to provide meters to al electricity consumers but failed to do so.

    Subsequently, they hinted that the labour unions will as a matter of necessity mobilise all Nigerians to resist the new tariff by embarking on mass protest and picketing of all DISCOs’ offices nationwide.

    “We direct all consumers to reject any bill with the new tariff and so many other actions we may deem necessary.”

    It may be recalled that Yemi-Adebiyi who had taken the NERC to court got an order by the Federal High Court in Lagos to stop it from further increasing its tariff, said the injunction granted by Justice Ibrahim Idris against any increment was subsisting and had not been discharged.

    Justice Idris made the order on May 28 restraining NERC from increasing tariff in June.

  • 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.”

  • N47.5b for lawmakers’ cars wasteful, says TUC

    N47.5b for lawmakers’ cars wasteful, says TUC

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) said yesterday that the National Assembly’s plan to spend N47.5 billion on cars for 469 lawmakers was wasteful.

    In a statement by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General Musa Lawal, the congress said spending N47.5 billion on cars was “senseless and peak of insensitivity”.

    Expressing support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance on the issue, the TUC said it backed the President’s  closed meeting with the lawmakers.

    The statement reads: “We are pained by the fact that it appears the lawmakers do not know the task before them and the country.

    “For over two months, the country has been experiencing chronic fuel scarcity such that has never been heard of, free-fall of the naira, poor health facilities,  glorified primary schools as universities, closure of manufacturing companies, insecurity, which essentially is caused by unemployment etc. Our case has become so deplorable that we are a laughing stock among nations.

    “Where is the conscience of the lawmakers? Where are the good roads to drive cars? Why is it that the privileged in this country do not consider the less-privileged? Lawmakers ride in public transportation in developed countries to attend to state matters. The reason our leaders do ridiculous things beats our imagination.”

    The statement added: “It will be recalled that the National Assembly members in August collected between N7 million and N8 million as car loans. But they said the 469 cars they planned to buy would be used for oversight functions.

    “This amount (47.5 billion) for cars is senseless and insensitive and we support President Buhari’s stance on the issue. We are definitely not against the President holding a closed meeting with the lawmakers, but we say no to such frivolous expenses.

    “Some have argued that members go away with their official vehicles after four years, having paid the value to government coffers. But we wanted something different, hence Nigerians voted for change.

    “It just does not make sense contemplating buying cars with almost 40 per cent of government’s annual budget. We just hope the lawmakers mean well for the country.”

  • TUC decries insecurity in Rivers

    The Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has decried the insecurity in the state, ahead of next year’s rerun.

    Its concerns were expressed yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, through its State Chairman, Chika Onuegbu, an ex-official of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

    TUC said: “The level of insecurity and kidnapping is so worrisome that workers are seeking transfers from Rivers State.

    “The decision of the election petitions tribunals and the Courts of Appeal in Abuja, annulling most of the 2015 elections in Rivers State, should be a lesson to all. The people must be allowed to make their choices, and the elections must be credible.

    “We advise youths and the political parties to shun violence, as it diminishes our democratic culture and whittles down the remaining collective respect we have as a people and as a state.

    “As the countdown to the rerun begins, we urge security agencies to be on the alert to ensure that tight security is provided for all, irrespective of their positions in life.”

  • TUC hails plan to emply 500,000 teachers

    TUC hails plan to emply 500,000 teachers

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has praised the decision of the Federal Government to  hire 500,000 unemployed graduates as teachers, saying the move will curb the escalating rate of unemployment.

    The union said it was still not comfortable with the position of the government on fuel subsidy removal and asked the government to call a stakeholders meeting which include labour to discuss why it has become impossible to refine and sell fuel for as low as N50 per liter.

    In a statement by the National President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and General Secretary,  Musa Lawal, the TUC said it was also impressed by the decision of the government to ensure that all the Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are captured and brought under and brought under the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) are laudable ideas.

    The congress commended the Federal Government for the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget announced last Tuesday, but said it was worried that “our challenge as a country as regards national budget is not how to propose, draft or present a good budget but its implementation. We are also worried that about N1.8 trn of the budget will be borrowed to fund the budget.

    “The decision to recruit 500,000 unemployed graduates and  National Certificate of Education (NCE) holders as teachers to curb the escalating rate of unemployment and to ensure that all the Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are captured and brought under the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) are laudable ideas.

    “The move will not only reduce the burden of manual preparation of payrolls but also curb cases of sharp practices in the system and will also help to compile the list of the less-privileged in order to implement better transfer programme. We urge that the policy be made transparent and inclusive without discrimination.

    “Additionally, we are still not comfortable with the decision  of government on subsidy. The Congress therefore demand for a stakeholders’ meeting which include labour to discuss the subsidy issue and why it has become impossible for us to refine and purchase fuel for  as low as N50 per litre. The price of crude oil in the international market had dropped drastically. This should have a direct effect on domestic consumption of the product.

    “The proposed deficit financing  at N2.22 trillion is certainly on the high side. This could be reduced by the recovery of stolen funds . We therefore support the government to use looted funds for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “The budget is a good one as has addressed major issues that could change the life of a common man but implementation is our fear.  We believe if the budget is properly implemented Nigeria is surely on the path to greatness again.

    “We  charge the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency warn the governors who want to sabotage the administration by saying they cannot pay ordinary N18,000 minimum wage. We dare them to try it.”

  • FG to partner TUC on employment generation – Ngige

    FG to partner TUC on employment generation – Ngige

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said on Monday that the Federal Government would partner Trade Union Congress (TUC) to create jobs for the teeming youths across the country.

    Ngige said this when he met with the leadership of the union in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened in respect of numerous issues bordering on labour administration in the country.

    Ngige said that the major focus of the present administration included job creation, security and anti-corruption war.

    “We are going to partner with you in terms of these three and especially in employment generation, as we are going to do massive employment in the country.

    “We are also going to do some social responsibility work in terms of gathering so many Nigerians in the social safety net, in order for their life to be meaningful.

    “At the same time, we want to touch the valuable groups — women and youths –; there are a lot youths that are unemployed now.

    “I want to assure you that in the 2016 budget of the Federal Government, we have mapped out many poverty intervention projects, especially those that will give jobs to our youths.”

    The minister said that if meaningful jobs were created in the country, the issue of insurgency would be a thing of the past.

    He said that the ministry would collaborate with the union in ensuring that machinery was put in motion for the government to create jobs for youths.

    He said that the issue of unemployment was what prompted President Muhammadu Buhari to rename the ministry as the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “Mr President wants the ministry to stand on what its name stands for, which is employment generation.”

    He also called on the union to assist government in fighting corrupting, saying that it was the union’s duty to assist the government block the leakages.

    “You must help the government to fight corruption, because this is why our resources are being mismanaged, stolen and frittered away over the years.”

    The minister said that the Federal Government would honour all outstanding arrears of promotion, adding that civil servants would be paid their dues within effective dates of their promotion.

    Ngige said that other issues pertaining to the welfare of workers such as casualisation, and contract staffing, among others, would be addressed.

    Earlier, TUC President Bobboi Kaigama, urged the minister to include the union as part of the National Labour Advisory Council.

    Kaigama also urged the minister to resolve the crisis in Owena Hotel, the issues of casualisation, the health sector crisis as well as the payment of outstanding arrears allowances owed to workers by the Federal Government.

  • TUC warns against PHCN liquidation, privatisation of teaching hospitals

    TUC warns against PHCN liquidation, privatisation of teaching hospitals

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned against the liquidation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by the federal government without first settling all liability owed workers as contained in the agreement reached between the workers and the government.

    The congress also warned against current moves to privatise or commercialise the services of tertiary health institutions across the country, saying the introduction of such policy would remove healthcare services from the reach of the common man.

    Rising from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the TUC blamed government’s frequent policy somersaults for the nation’s under-development, stressing that despite the position of governors on the national minimum wage, organised labour would go ahead to table its fresh demand for a review of a new national minimum wage.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by its President, Boboi Kaigama and General Secretary, Musa Lawal respectively, the congress acknowledged government efforts in developing the power sector, adding however that a lot still need to be done to improve the power situation in order to protect and stimulate industrial growth and development.

    It said liquidating the PHCN without paying the labour liability as contained in the agreement between representatives of federal government, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Ministry of Power, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation on one part and trade unions in the power sector would have adverse effect on industrial peace and harmony in the sector.

    The TUC called on the government to immediately address all pending issues that were products of collective bargaining agreement in the health sector rather than considering selling off Federal Teaching hospitals.

    The congress said: “We reject in totality the proposal by the Federal Government to privatise or commercialise the services of the tertiary health institutions across the country. The introduction of such a policy would, undoubtedly, remove healthcare services from the reach of the common man in Nigeria.”

    While frowning at the vexed issue of illegal recruitment in the public service, the congress urged the federal government to henceforth ensure that all appointments are strictly guided by public service rules, scheme of service, establishment circulars, and federal Civil Service Commission’s guidelines on appointment, promotion and discipline in the public service.

    It also called on the government to settle all outstanding arrears of salaries, promotion, and other allowances owed federal workers since compilation of the indebtedness had since been concluded.

  • TUC, ASCSN propose N52,000 minimum wage

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) have announced plans to engage government in dialogue towards increasing the minimum wage to N52,000.

    The unions also warned of dire consequences, which may include the shutting down of state governments, if the governors carry out their threat to reduce the N18,000 minimum wage or retrench workers.

    Speaking with The Nation, TUC President Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said the Congress had concluded plans to engage the government in dialogue towards increasing the minimum wage to N52,000.

    Kaigama described as laughable the claim by some governors that N18,000 minimum wage was imposed on them when oil sold for $126 as against the present price of $41 per barrel and that they cannot pay.

    He said the governors’ comments may have been occasioned by the unbridled corruption and mismanagement of public funds by the governors themselves. He reiterated that the minimum wage was a product of tripartite meetings involving government at all levels, employers (through Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and organised labour.

    “They (state governments) cannot use our collective wealth on their electioneering campaigns, payment of their children’s school fees abroad, foreign medical tourism, etc. only to come tell us they cannot pay salaries because the price of oil has dropped. They are not serious,” Kaigama said.

    He said TUC’s position was that the searchlight beamed on the arms deal scam should be extended to board members of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), who served for only five years and have set aside N2.7 billion for themselves, whereas they offered nothing but a privatisation that has produced nothing but darkness.

    “Nigeria has enough money to maintain its roads; we do not need toll gates that will only end up making the so-called big boys richer at the expense of everyone else,” Kaigama said.

    In a statement on Monday, this week, ASCSN Secretary-General Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal expressed sadness that Nigerian governors who have not deemed it fit to reduce their humongous salaries and allowances were bent on jettisoning the N18,000 monthly minimum wage so that they could begin to pay as low as N5,000 monthly to civil servants.

    The union regretted that: “Given the current high cost of living, the N18,000 monthly minimum wage cannot even last the average worker one week yet, the governors are bent on reducing it This is very unfortunate because these governors allocate to themselves, on the average, N1 billion monthly as security vote and spend nothing less than N18,000 daily to feed one of their animal pets or buy recharge cards for one of their children, or, worse still, for one of their numerous girl friends.”

    The ASCSN pointed out that there is no state that does not have natural resources, but instead of harnessing them they (governors) prefer to wait for monthly handouts and now bailouts from Abuja to administer their states.

    It stressed that if the state governments could reduce wastages, tackle corruption and moderate their greed, there would be more than enough money to pay enhanced minimum wage and carry out meaningful development in their states.

    ASCSN advised the governors, who are tired of governance because of the fall in revenue allocation and downward slide in the price of oil in the international market, to resign immediately and allow more serious-minded individuals, who are prepared to harness resources of the states for the benefit of the people, including workers, to take up the mantle of leadership.