The Federal Government has solicited the cooperation of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in promoting workers’ welfare and national productivity.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said during a visit to the leadership of the NLC on Thursday in Abuja, that the synergy would enable both sides to address all issues affecting workers in the country.
She said that the visit was part of the strategy of the ministry to mobilise critical stakeholders to align with the government’s agenda in the labour sector.
Mrs Onyejeocha said that without the cooperation of labour unions, it would be difficult for the government to better the lot of the Nigerian workers.
According to her, the government is interested in the welfare of Nigerian workers, including 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,” she said.
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The minister assured the NLC that the government would work with all labour unions to not only promote the wellbeing of workers, but also create the wealth needed to sustain the Nigerian workers.
Mrs Onyejeocha also assured the NLC that the government was committed to fulfilling its obligations to Nigerian workers.
She however decried the use of strike as an option to resolve industrial disputes, saying it disrupts the economy.
The minister, therefore, urged trade unions to regard strike as a last option ”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”.
Responding, Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, said that the minister’s visit demonstrated care for the Nigerian workers, and a show of commitment to collaborate with the organised labour.
“We want to assure you that the Congress will always work with the government in the interest of the workers.
“We also want to appeal to the government to stop interfering in trade union rights, and defaulting on agreements reached with labour, as such actions brew trust gaps,” he said.
Mr Ajaero appealed to the minister to push for the clearing of the backlog of agreements which the government reached with the organised labour, as further proof of the government’s commitment to workers’ wellbeing.
He also said that labour unions were not in the habit of rushing into strikes, but only used it as a last resort to push its case.
