Minister Woos Labour Unions, Says Workers’ Welfare Paramount

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has solicited the cooperation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in promoting workers’ welfare and national productivity.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated this in Abuja when she paid a visit to the leadership of the NLC as part of strategies to mobilise critical stakeholders to align with government’s agenda in the labour sector.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Olajide Oshundun, the minister noted that without the cooperation of the labour union, which represents workers’ interest, it would be difficult for the government to better the lot of the workforce.
“Government is interested in the welfare of Nigerian workers. We are interested in their health and the environment in which they work. We are also interested in the wages they earn.

“We will partner with you to ensure that Nigerian workers are satisfied. I am sure you will cooperate with the government to make sure our economy improves. Each time you embark on strike, the Nigerian economy goes down, and we incur a lot of losses,” the minister said.
The minister assured NLC of government’s interest and readiness to work with labour unions to promote the wellbeing of workers, as well as boost national productivity.

She said that the federal government needed the cooperation of organised labour to create the wealth to sustain the country and its people.
Onyejeocha  who expressed government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to Nigerian workers, however decried the use of strike to resolve industrial disputes. She described frequent strikes as very disruptive to the economy.

The ,inister therefore urged trade unions to regard strike as the last resort in seeking resolution of trade disputes, pushing for the fulfilment of agreement, or drawing the attention of government to the  plight of workers and citizens.

On his part, NLC President,  Joe Ajaero, said the minister’s visit demonstrated care for Nigerian workers, as well as commitment to collaboration with workers’ representatives,  and promised that the congress would always work together with government in the interest of the workers.
He, however, urged the government to desist from violating trade union rights, and defaulting on agreements reached with labour, as such actions brew trust gaps.
Ajaero enjoined the minister to push for the clearing of the backlog of agreements which government reached with labour, as further proof of government’s commitment to workers’ wellbeing.

He also explained that they were not in the habit of rushing into strikes, and only resorted to them as the last option.