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Tag: TUC

  • Gov. Wike urges NLC, TUC to Occupy Nigeria

    Gov. Wike urges NLC, TUC to Occupy Nigeria

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have failed Nigerians by refusing to act in the face of unbridled killings of defenceless Nigerians across the country.

    The Rivers State Governor made the declaration in an address during the 2018 Workers Day celebrations in Port Harcourt and said it is not in national interest for labour to be only concerned about salary increment when their kith and kin are mauled to death on a daily basis.

    “Labour is only after the increment of wages and emoluments without showing concern for the mass killings going on across different states of the Federation.

    “Labour is quiet in the face of deaths. Of what benefit will increment of salaries be when all your children, friends and relatives are killed in the course of this national insecurity?

    “It is incumbent on labour to rise up in defence of Nigerians by demanding for immediate cessation of killings,” Wike said.

    He stressed that labour has a duty to work towards the progress of Nigeria as they battle for their welfare, saying labour must rekindle their pre-2015 posture when they participated in occupy Nigeria during the Jonathan era.

    The governor urged labour to defend the nation’s democracy which is under threat by the failure of the APC Federal Government to respect the rule of law and democratic tenets.

    “Be vigilant and defend our democracy in 2019. That is what labour is known for. Labour thrives under democracy. Without democracy, labour will run into challenges,” he said.

     

    ALSO READ | Wike makes N100m donation to NLC, TUC; approves N3.6bn for SMEs, civil servants

     

  • TUC, NLC demand probe of bailout funds to states

    The Organised Labour has called for immediate probe of state governments involved in diversion of bailout funds meant for payment of salaries and pension arrears in the country.

    President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Bobboi Kaigama, made the call at the 2018 May Day celebration for workers in the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The theme for the May Day Celebration is, “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win.’’

    Kaigama said the diversion of the bailout funds have been a growing concern to the organised labour.

    According to him, as we speak, many states still owe their workers between five and ten months’ salaries and pensions arrears.

    “We demand immediate probe for state governments that are known to have diverted the funds, while culprits should be made to face the full weight of the law.

    “ What the erring states have done is a form of terrorism against the Nigerian workers.

    “Meanwhile, we have identified the states that owe salaries and pensions arrears and serious mobilisation is ongoing to vote out such governors in the next general election in their states,” he said.

    The TUC President, while speaking on the challenges of the economy, expressed concern on the dearth of infrastructure; insecurity, weak naira and less investment on human capital development, among others.

    He, however, decried the delay in the passage of the 2018 National budget.

    “Four months into 2018, the national budget has not been passed.

    “This is counterproductive to the economy and makes us a laughing stock in the eyes of the world,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the budgetary framework in the country remained frail as appropriation bills stall longer than necessary before they are passed into law.

    Wabba said the 2018 budget was a case in point as it was still trapped in the National Assembly four months into the year.

    He noted that this has further compounded the sufferings of Nigerians whose daily sustenance depends on the budget.

    “We are worried by the unnecessary bickering between the National Assembly and the Presidency over the budget.

    “We call for an overhaul of our budgetary system, improved relations between the legislature and the executive and cutting down of wastes in government,” he said.

    The NLC president also said that the fight against corruption is a collective battle and has to be transparent and holistic.

    He said that corrupt persons in and outside government must be dutifully tracked and diligently prosecuted.

    He stressed the need for the reformed of the judiciary, saying that the recovery of looted funds must be transparently accounted for and utilized to revitalize the economy and attend to the welfare of citizens.

    He further called on the Federal Government to address the disparity between the remuneration of political office holders and other workers in the public sector.

    According to him, it is also important that we tackle the wide gap between actual budget appropriation and releases.

    “We should strengthen processes that ensure that government institutions are made to account for public resources committed to their care.

    “We demand for specialised courts to speed up the prosecution of all corruption cases. Cases must be dispensed within a specified period of time,” he added.

  • Ayade orders payment of 2014 gratuity, donates N50m for completion of Labour House

    Ayade orders payment of 2014 gratuity, donates N50m for completion of Labour House

    Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, Monday, authorised the payment of 2014 gratuity to retired civil servants in the state, even as he donated N50 million to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the completion of the Labour House.

    The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, members of the state executive council as well as officers and members of the state NLC and TUC, gave the directive shortly after inspecting the NLC secretariat, which is under construction.

    On payment of gratuity, he said: “We have already finalised and I have just signed today an authorisation for them to commence the implementation of 2014 gratuity.”

    While applauding the leadership of labour in the state for good management of resources in the erection of the building, the governor said, “at the time we discussed with the NLC/TUC on the need to support them build a labour house, the approval I gave was so insignificant for the accomplishment of what I am seeing here today. I thought I was the only magician who knows how to turn one naira to a million dollars. Today, I have seen some management experts that are equally very good.”

    Ayade who assured that the labour house will be completed before his third year anniversary in office announced that, “against that background, God has descended upon me with an inspiration,” adding that, “to ensure that you complete this project and get it ready for commissioning as in the history of Cross River, we have never had a labour house where members can come in unmolested, it is my pleasure to support you complete this edifice with additional N50 million. That figure will cover both furniture, telecom and small clinic in case of any emergency.”

    He charged labour leaders and members to remain better organised, well structured and never relent in their roles to the society, pointing out that, the leaders must not stop insisting on what they think is the right thing for the people as it is pertinent to share the concerns of government while appreciating the challenges of workers.

    “I must commend you for being very balanced in the whole process. Agreed that normally as government task, critical misunderstanding will set in, but that is part of relationship and I think that the concept of this is a harbinger of a better relationship and better understanding of each other.”

    Earlier, NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade John Ushie, explained that “for over 40 years, the labour centre has not had a place to call their own, but in your time, it has come to pass. We believe that before your third year in office, you will come back to commission this place.”

    The governor, his deputy, members of the organised labour as well as members of the state executive council, thereafter proceeded to other projects sites embarked by the present administration in the state, including the 21 megawatt power plant, Calabar Garment Factory, Calabar Pharmaceutical Factory, Rice Seeds and Seedlings Center amongst others.

     

  • Only Lagos pays workers as at when due – TUC

    The president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bobboi Kaigama, has said only Lagos State Government pays workers on its payroll as at when due.

    The TUC boss said the other 35 state governments all owed their workers’ salaries and other entitlements despite the federal government’s bailout and Paris Club refunds.

    The TUC president made this disclosure on Friday at the Congress’ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. A communique from the event was circulated to the media on Wednesday.

    Kaigama warned against diversion of money meant for workers’ salaries as well as other benefits into electioneering expenditure by state governments.

    “We want to say without fear of contradiction that the only healthy state in this country that has no arrears of salaries and other wages or unpaid benefits is Lagos State. All the other states have one issue or the other in terms of salaries, wages or benefits of their workers that have not been paid. There is no exception.

    “You will find out that, if it is not one month’s salary that is not paid, it would be 13 months of gratuities or pensions that have not been paid. Or that contributory pension deductions are not being remitted or that there are certain promotion arrears and death benefits that have not been paid. So, I am telling you, taking this issue holistically, we can only say Lagos State is the only healthy state in this country.”

    “We keep saying that, if state governors cannot meet their obligations to their workers, they should just resign and leave the stage. We have continued to argue that, apart from the first generation states that were created by the military, there is no state that was created thereafter that did not have its submission that the state had the capacity to pay the wages of the workers in the state and other things.”

    He said the view that Nigeria should return to regional government was not misplaced because the trust of workers in state government has been eroded.

    “So, if it is just for the purposes of payment of salaries, no other developmental issues like infrastructure, health facilities, roads, rails transportation and so on, we are better off with regional government,” the TUC president said.

    Kaigama added that corruption is what has made governors to owe workers.

    Kaigama’s claim of states’ indebtness to workers has however been faulted by some states like Enugu where its Nigeria Labour Congress chairman said the state government does not owe any worker.

  • Resign if you can’t pay salaries, TUC slams debtor governors

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Saturday advised state governors who could not address workers’ problems to resign.

    The TUC President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, said in Lagos that workers could no longer vouch for state governments that non-payment of salaries was as a result of lack of funds.

    He said that the non-payment could be due to corruption.

    Kaigama made the TUC’s views known while addressing journalists after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    He said that it was only the Lagos State Government that had been regularly paying workers’ salaries and allowances.

    “All the other states have one issue or the other in terms of salaries or benefits of their workers.

    “ You will discover that it is 13 months’ arrears of gratuities or pensions that have not been paid.

    “In some cases, it is the contributory pension deductions that have not been remitted or promotions arrears and death benefits not been paid,” he said.

    He advocated a return to regional government, saying that state governments were failing in their responsibilities.

    “The trust we have in state government has eroded.

    “If it is for the purposes of payment of salaries and infrastructure development such as provision of health facilities, roads, rail transportation and others, we are better off with regional government,’’ Kaigama said,’’ he said.

    The union leader noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved bailout funds and budget support funding to enable states to settle workers’ salaries, to no avail.

    Kaigama said that accountability in Nigeria was weak, and called for the strengthening of anti-graft agencies.

    On national minimum wage, Kaigama said that state governments should be determined to pay the wage when approved.

    He also called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the power sector due to its deteriorating condition.

    ”No nation can develop without power,” he said.

    The labour leader urged the government to arrest and prosecute killers of innocent Nigerians in the guise of herdsmen and militia in different parts of the country.

  • Independence: ‘We have ocean behind us but bathe with spittle in Nigeria’ – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has said the abundance of resources in the country does reflect in the standard of living of most Nigerians except the ruling class.

    The Congress noted that while other nations that attained independence same year as Nigeria have now joined the comity of developed nations, Nigeria is still enthrenched in a cobweb of self inflicted problems especially by the ruling class.

    The Congress revealed this in its Independence Day message released by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama on Friday.

    He said: “ordinarily it should not be out of place if we roll out our drums today to celebrate this feat, but we cannot, because like they say “you don’t participate in a dance competition when your house is on fire.” Nigeria is dancing at the market square naked to the full glare of the whole world when our roof is on fire.”

    According to him, over a 100-year after the north and south were amalgamated with the sole aim of complementing each other and the attainment of independence on in 1960, many had thought that progress and development would be rapid. Pointing out that this has not been so.

    He said that as a progressive organisation, the “Trade Union Congress of Nigeria appreciates the fact that we have stayed together as a country. It is something to cheer about like I noted earlier but our staying together has been at the cost of innocent blood and outright violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

    “This day should remind us of our heritage, the vision and struggles of the founding fathers unfortunately some have had cause to question the rationale behind the quest for independence in the first place. Our tale is that of a conundrum with insurgencies, collapsed educational system, gross unemployment, ritual killing, cultism, prostitution/rape, mass emigration, de-industrialisation, tribalism and nepotism, inept leadership, environmental challenge, infrastructural decay, gender issues, badoo, kidnapping, yahooPlus, corruption and anti-graft, and a host of others.”

    The Congress regretted that while Nigeria remain one of the 17 countries that attained independence in 1960, “Nigeria is not at par with many of these countries today even when they do not have one-tenth of what we have in terms of human and natural resources. Nature has been fair to Nigeria but Nigeria is not fair to itself.

    “Our plight as a country beats the imagination of the world. Why? We have an ocean behind our house yet bath with spittle. The United State of America has enjoyed nationhood for over 250 years, yet still together with its components states. Politicians frustrate every effort to make our country healthier.

    “How do we reconcile it that in a country where state governments claim they cannot pay ordinary N18, 000 national minimum a lawmaker who barely attends three sessions per week smiles home with over N30m per month? Isn’t it laughable that our lawmakers now compete with stand-up comedians, musical artists and professional dancers? If people fail to agitate under this circumstance then it means we are ill-fated.

    “It is a good thing to have the I-CAN-DO-IT attitude but it is also wisdom to bring on board those who can help actualise your aspiration. At home and in diaspora are many Nigerians that have excelled in their businesses and contributed meaningfully in building the economies of host countries: Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian and he bought three foreign Airports through his private firm in six years; Mr. Philips Emegwali was christened the father of computer and Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the designer who produced General Motor (GM’s) most electrifying advanced technology vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt concept.

    “Given the enormous wealth of human and natural resources that the Creator out of His magnanimity has bestowed to this country, we should not lack any basic need of life? The pain we bear is a needless one.

    “We challenge the leadership and Nigerians to see this year’s independence anniversary as a vintage opportunity to reflect on our polity, economy and society at large. We must all look at the reality in our country dispassionately, honestly and work to achieve a better Nigeria for our children.

    “Life has become unbearable for majority of Nigerians. It is laughable that our leaders travel abroad, but do not replicate what they saw over there. Why will the country not be hit by recession when politicians spend 80% of their jumbo pay in buying properties in Dubai, UK, US, South Africa, etc?

    “How can the education sector run a full session without strike when the children of politicians school abroad? The deplorable state of our roads is not a priority because they fly? When the system favours them there are no comments seen; but when it is otherwise they import arms and assemble youth to distabilise the system.

    “The outcome of disenchantment is the crises and agitations we see everywhere. Our key functionaries and institutions must be made to work respectively and religiously like it is done elsewhere. Insecticides and deodorants have their roles. You cannot achieve result when you misapply the two liquids.

    “The Congress, nay Nigerians are worried that the things we watch in films are now common sights. Recently the Nigerian Customs Services declared that no fewer than 2,500 pump Action guns have so far intercepted. For what purpose were they imported if not to throw the country into major crisis?

    “What is the value of life in Nigeria? It is shameful that beyond the despicable situation the so-called elites have forced us into they still acquire guns and fanned the embers of disunity for us to kill ourselves. They take advantage of our frustrated children while theirs are in different parts of Europe spending our money. We are wiser now.

    “Notwithstanding the myriad of challenges confronting the country, the Congress believes Nigeria can be great if the leadership wants. The world dismisses us but we must not dismiss ourselves.

    “The world is pessimistic about the future of the most populated black nation but we must resolve to shame them. The country must not be allowed to snowball into a theatre of war and a ready-made market for arms and ammunitions. No. Never again! It is natural to despair but the Congress sees light at the end of the tunnel.

    “We wish to appeal to the Federal Government to remember its “change mantra”. It makes no sense accusing and condemning the previous administrations for corruption only for the recovered money to be re-looted. Mere leaving a political party for the ruling party must not make anybody a saint.

    “Anti-graft agencies and the judiciary must prosecute those who were caught with our money. We know corruption is fighting back but we are confident that the war over evil will always emerge victorious.

    “The world is watching and waiting for the pride of Africa and most populated black nation to blossom. The Federal Government’s economic recovery plan must not fail. No more excuses.”

     

  • Disregard ULC strike threats, NLC/TUC tell FG, workers

    The organised labour on Friday urged the Federal Government and workers to disregard strike threats by the unregistered United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC).

    President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, gave the advice at a news conference jointly addressed in Abuja by the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the ULC had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government which expired on Sept. 8.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the union issued another seven-day strike notice that will expire on Sept. 15 with a threat to shut down oil, power and aviation sectors.

    The ULC said it was pressing for the following demands – that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment should set up a task force immediately to carry out factory inspections and review the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    Others are – the Army and Police should leave their different workplaces as they were intimidating and harassing workers in such establishments in addition to immediate release of its registration certificate.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, recently said that Federal Government had not recognised the ULC as a federation of trade unions.

    Wabba said the ministry of labour and workers should disregard the strike threats by the illegal association and that the supervising ministry should act fast in enforcing the laws governing trade unionism in the country.

    He said the main promoters of the so-called new federation are individuals from NUEE and NUPENG both of which were affiliates of the NLC.

    He said that by the extant laws, as passed some years ago, those individuals could not form a parallel federation.

    According to him, the section on Registration of Trade Unions in Part 1, Section 2, 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.

    “So, we feel constrained to make the following comments on the unfolding situation.

    “In spite of the listing of their 12 points demand, 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.

    “ We have no doubt that the officials of the Ministry of Labour would deal with the situation.

    “This is because the laws of the country governing labour relations are very clear on the procedure guiding registration of trade unions and trade union centres, “he said.

    Mr Bobboi Kaigama, the President of TUC, said that the promoters of ULC were trying to take advantage of the current security situation in the country.

    He said that Nigerians needed to know that the ULC was not a legitimate organisation duly recognised by the laws of the land.

    “These are individuals who find it difficult to accept the will of the Nigerian workers as very clearly demonstrated during the NLC elections in 2015,” he said.

    According to Kaigama, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has acted within the confines of the law by not registering the association.

  • We are running out of patience, implement new minimum wage now – TUC tells FG

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has told the Federal Government to implement the proposed minimum wage as the present economic realities does no longer favour the present wage.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Nigeria’s current minimum wage is N18,000. The organised labour is however asking for review of the wage to at least N50,000.

    Mr Ahmed Olayinka, Chairman, TUC, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter said while speaking during an awareness rally on the forthcoming International Workers, Day celebration slated for May 1, in Abuja.

    He warned that the workers cannot wait indefinitely for government; adding that in view of the hardship been experienced by Nigerian workers as a result of economic recession, the government should fast-track the implementation of the proposed new minimum wage.

    “We in the labour union and the entire Nigerian workers are losing our temper, the government must do something fast, because prices of things have skyrocket in the market.

    “The common man cannot afford the basic needs of life and workers now pay double of what they used to buy in the market’’.

    He said that the labour union was in support of the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari and would do anything to expose corrupt officials.

    Olayinka said that the Labour union had always been in support of good governance, adding that it was aware that corruption was fighting back and it would support the government to tame the tide.

    “Corruption is fighting back and we are on the same page with the government, but the only thing we are asking for is a review of the minimum wage because N18, 000.00 can no longer take care of us.”

    Also speaking, Comrade Amaechi Lawrence, Chairman FCT Chapter, Nigeria Labour Congress said that the union embarked on a road show to sensitise Nigerians on the workers day celebration

    He urged Nigerians workers, including market women and men to come out on the May Day to celebrate workers, adding that those in the FCT should converge on the Eagle square.

    Lawrence said that the NLC would continue to sensitise Nigerians against corruption, while calling on the government to quickly review workers wage because the N18, 000.00 minimum wage was grossly inadequate.

    Comrade James Imoyera, Assistant General Secretary, NLC urged Nigerian workers to come out en-mass to celebrate workers day.

    He said that workers needed to put the country on the path of progress, adding that Nigerian workers had been agitating for a review of minimum wage because they were the one creating the wealth.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the N18,000 National Minimum Wage Bill into law on March 6, 2011.

    The new wage law states that once an employer in the public or private sector has a workforce of about 50 persons, he or she is bound by the law to pay a minimum wage of N18,000.

    The signing of the law increased the national minimum wage across the country from N7, 500 to N18,000 per month.

     

    NAN

  • Charly Boy joins NLC, TUC for protest today

    Charly Boy joins NLC, TUC for protest today

    Self proclaimed Area Fada , Charly Boy took to his Twitter page to announce that he isn’t done yet with protests. He says there will be another mass protest and demonstration this morning .

    He would be collaborating with Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC). The march will begin at NLC headquarters in Lagos, Yaba.