By Thompson Yamput
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says global economic competition and accentuation of governments’ policies summersault has rendered millions of workers out of jobs.
As a result, hundred of thousands of jobs have been lost, thus worsening the condition of working class especially in Nigeria, The Kogi State NLC Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari has disclosed.
Amari made the assertion in Lokoja on Tuesday at a one day retreat on “building foundation for strong and vibrant labour movement in Kogi” and organized by the union in collaboration with Rajans Global Ventures limited.
The NLC Chairman said that the situation calls for government to urgently look at measures toward addressing it aside providing palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
He lamented, “in spite of disturbing trend, some workers in Kogi deliberately sabotage the effort of the union during the two day warning strike by going to work against the directive of the labour leaders.”
“This is totally uncalled for and does not speak well for workers who are seeking for a better welfare from government to earn a leaving wage.
“How do you want government to know we are suffering when you are doing something contrary to labour directive? It it through collective effort for us to achieve our goals. But when we are divided, we won’t achieve any result” he said
Amari also identified failures from union leaders as some of the reasons why the plight of workers had failed to materialized, just as he admonished them to rise up and defend themselves against perpetual slavery.
According to him, the renewed hope they promised us is dashed. From a reliable source, their is no work going on in the refinery. We must stand up, work together to achieve our dream in Nigeria. This can only be achieved through synergy”.
He told the gathering that workers have lost confidence in political office holders, adding that, they should come out plain and tell workers their plans if they are elected to serve in Kogi State.
The labour leader, however, called on Civil Societies to collaborate with the union to put an end to bad policies of Government against workers in the Country.
In his paper presentation on “Labour movement and the political system of society, imperative for building synergies between the trade unions and Civil Society in Nigeria” the CEO of Rajans Global Ventures limited, Comrade Rajan Suleiman said CSOs has through their advocacy engaged the State by articulating the interest of members, moulding public opinions and holding State or those in power to account.
Suleiman said that there was need for Civil Society and Labour to collaborate for the interest of workers.
“In order to strengthen the powers of the Labour Movement in the State, there is a need for a Strong Coalition Between the Labour Unions and Civil Society Organizations.
“This should be a coalition of the Trade Unions, Workers and Traders Associations and Civil Society Organizations in the State,
“This coalition when formed will bring all non-state actors in the state under a distinct formation, allowing them to speak with one voice, and giving muscles to advocate for the common good of the suffering masses”.
Also in his paper presentation, the Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement, (INGRA) Comrade Hamza Aliyu who was represented by Ikechukwu Mpama noted that, the collaboration between civil society” organizations and organized labor in Nigeria is crucial.
“Especially for advocating for workers’ tights, addressing social justice issues, and promoting fair labor practices, ” he said.(ephemeralnews)
