Tag: Workers Day

May Day: Peter Obi makes case of better welfare for Nigerian workers

Mr Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election has called for better welfare for workers in the country.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Obi made the call on Monday when he joined workers in the country to mark the 2023 Workers Day.

“Today, I attended the Solidarity Rally of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja. I believe that Labour remains the backbone of productivity.

“We cannot talk about moving from consumption to production without caring about the welfare and well-being of the greatest tool of that revolution, which is human labour.

“I thank the leadership of the Nigerian Labour (NLC and TUC) for their invitation and commend them for the theme of this year’s Workers Day (“Workers Rights and Socio-Economic Justice”) which is quite topical and very apt for today’s Nigeria.

“I urge them and every hardworking Nigerian, to remain steadfast in the course of building a better and New Nigeria where there will be more jobs, high productivity, security of lives and properties, and everything that will make Nigerians proud of their country,” Obi said.

May 1, 2023
Workers Day: Gov Adeleke speaks on antidote to poverty

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says to address poverty and underdevelopment in the society, public servants must be accorded better treatment.

Adeleke stated this during the Workers’ Day celebrations, held at Osogbo township stadium on Monday.

According to him, when public servants are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

He said that a very happy public service would automatically translate into a booming economy.

Adeleke said that his administration was focussing on workers’ welfare because that was the right thing to do.

“There is a strong link between the formal and informal workforce in Osun State.

“When the formal workforce, the public servants, are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

“A very happy public service translates into a booming local economy across the state”, he said.

The governor also said that his administration would continue to be committed to workers’ welfare.

“Since I took over under a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to that goal of workers’ first.

“You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions.

“I have demonstrated good faith as a leader with genuine love of workers at heart.

“You will always find in me a governor that is responsive and open to the wellbeing of labour.

“Be rest assured that our administration will not waiver in restoring the integrity and professionalism of the public service,” he said.

Adeleke added that he had also taken judicious note of all the requests and demands contained in the addresses delivered by labour unions.

“This administration is yours. I assure you that all your points are well noted”, he said.

May 1, 2023
May Day: Gov Okowa woos workers for Oborevwori’s administration

Outgoing governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has appreciated members of the organised labour and workers in the state for their sustained cooperation and understanding his administration enjoyed in the past eight years.

Okowa urged the workers to sustain the tempo by extending the same hand of fellowship to the in-coming administration particularly during negotiations.

The governor spoke in Asaba on Monday during the 2023 May Day rally jointly put together by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions in the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, Okowa said the existing cordial relationship between workers and the government have encouraged his administration to uphold its welfare and training programmes.

“No doubt, workers were also part of the massive victory our party garnered during the last Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.

“Dear workers, I sincerely appeal to you to extend the same hands of fellowship to the in-coming governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration.

“He is not only labour friendly, he truly understands the challenges workers face, and I assure you that he will carry workers along. Please, adopt the same calm disposition during negotiations,” he said.

The chairman of TUC in the State, Mr Martins Bolum thanked God for seeing them through the 2023 election.

While congratulating Governor-elect Oborevwori for his victory at the polls, Bolum assured that Delta workers would remained ‘Sheriffied’

He commended Governor Okowa for his administration commitment to workers’ welfare, describing him as a labour friendly governor.

Bolum said they had a robust relationship with the outgoing governor, and commended him for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, despite the economic crunch occasioned by COVID-19.

May 1, 2023
Better treatment of workers antidote to poverty, under-devt. – Adeleke

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says to address poverty and underdevelopment in society, public servants must be accorded better treatment.

Adeleke stated this during the Workers’ Day celebrations, held at Osogbo township stadium on Monday.

According to him, when public servants are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

He said that a very happy public service would automatically translate into a booming economy.

Adeleke said that his administration was focussing on workers’ welfare because that was the right thing to do.

“There is a strong link between the formal and informal workforce in Osun State.

“When the formal workforce, the public servants, are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

“A very happy public service translates into a booming local economy across the state”, he said.

The governor also said that his administration would continue to be committed to workers’ welfare.

“Since I took over under a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to that goal of workers’ first.

“You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions.

“I have demonstrated good faith as a leader with genuine love of workers at heart.

“You will always find in me a governor that is responsive and open to the wellbeing of labour.

“Be rest assured that our administration will not waiver in restoring the integrity and professionalism of the public service,” he said.

Adeleke added that he had also taken judicious note of all the requests and demands contained in the addresses delivered by labour unions.

“This administration is yours. I assure you that all your points are well noted”, he said.

May 1, 2023
Workers’ Day: NLC demands for 65 years retirement age

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for review of civil servants’ retirement age and years of service in the entire public service to 65.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the call during the 2023 Workers’ Day celebrations on Monday in Abuja.

Ajaero also called for general review of core civil servants’ salaries to narrow the gap in other civil servants’ emoluments and those in other segments of the public service.

He said that the extension of years of service should go round, as it had been done in other sectors of the public service in the country.

“Only few other establishments, including the core civil service, are now left out.

“We are, therefore, demanding that the age of retirement and length of service in the entire public service, including the civil service, be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service, ” he said.

Ajaero said that the union had, over the years, demanded for salary review but had yet to receive Federal Government’s attention.

“It is necessary to recall that we have continued over the years to demand that the salaries of core civil servants be beefed up to narrow the gap between their emoluments and those in other segments of the public service.

“They all possess the same educational qualifications and cognate experience on the job. So why the disparity?” Ajaero queried.

On gratuity payment, the NLC president said union leaders had, on several occasions, presented the issue to government without any positive response.

“Fellow comrades, we have consistently presented the issue of gratuity payment to the government but nothing has been done in that regard.

“As you are all aware, the concept of gratuity payment to employees is predicated on the fact that those who have laboured for public institutions or private enterprises are entitled to the proverbial golden handshake from their employers.

“Thus, gratuity is a monetary benefit given by an employer to his/her employee at the time of retirement without the worker making any financial contribution whatsoever to the fund,” he said.

According to him, such a lump sum is meant to enable the retiree finance any post-retirement endeavour of his/her choice.

“The Pension Act did not abolish gratuity payment and we demand its restoration in many public sectors where it has been stopped, ” the labour leader said.

May 1, 2023
Workers Day: What NLC wants President-elect, Tinubu to do for Nigerians

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bauchi state chapter, has called on the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to sustain and improve on citizens’ welfare and security in the country.

Chairman of the Chapter, Dauda Shuaibu, made the call in Bauchi on Monday during the commemoration of the 2023 International Workers Day, jointly organised by the state Trade Union Congress and the NLC.

According to him, citizens’ welfare and security are the cardinal objectives of any responsible administration.

He said: “The issue of pervasive poverty and joblessness of our youths and graduates should be tackled frontally.

“This may help to reduce frequent kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, terrorism and all sorts of social vices in the country, as no nation could prosper under the atmosphere of insecurity.

“The value of our currency has crumbled due to high inflation. The N30,000 new national minimum wage can no longer make any positive impact on the lives of workers.

“We therefore call on the President-elect to assemble a team of technocrats with high patriotism to address the issue of the national economy in his first 100 days in office to bring down the high cost of living in our country.”

On behalf of the union, the Chairman also congratulated Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on his re-election and urged him to continue carrying the union along in his administration.

In his address, Gov. Mohammed said since the inception of his administration, measures had been put in place to ensure stabilisation of payment of salaries and pensions in the state.

Represented by the state’s Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu, the governor added that his administration had also implemented various policies and programmes aimed at motivating civil servants.

“I wish to reiterate my irrevocable commitment to raise the standard of living of the good people of Bauchi State.

“I have initiated and executed meaningful projects that have direct bearing on the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.

“Plans are underway for more developmental projects to be executed across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State,” he said.

The International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day, is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement on May 1.

It is aimed at providing labour leaders and workers the opportunity to come together to reflect over the past one year, evaluate performance and re-assess the State of the Nation.

May 1, 2023
Workers Day: Treat workers with dignity, respect, fairness – CAN tells employers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on governments and other employers to treat workers with dignity and respect, and provide them with decent conditions, fair wages and job security.

This is contained in a statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Monday in Abuja.

The association praised the resilience, dedication and hard work of Nigerian workers, who it said had continued to drive the economy forward in spite of numerous challenges.

CAN said that it recognised invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the growth and development of the nation.

“We recognize the sacrifices they make daily to ensure that their families and the nation at large have a better future.

“As Christians, we believe that work is not just a means of earning a living but also a means of fulfilling our God-given purpose on earth.

“We, therefore, encourage all Nigerian workers to continue to approach their work with diligence, excellence and integrity, knowing that their labour is not in vain.

“We also want to use this occasion to express our solidarity with Nigerian workers who have been adversely affected by the current economic situation,” it said.

The association called on governments and other employers to treat workers fairly.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria is committed to working with stakeholders to promote the welfare and well-being of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate policies and programmes that will enhance their productivity, skills and job opportunities,” it added.

May 1, 2023
May Day: President-elect, Tinubu assures Nigerian workers of better wage, social, economic justice

The President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerian workers of a minimum wage, social and economic justice.

He gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja in his solidarity massage to Nigerian workers on the 2023 International Workers’ Day.

He added that workers in the country would have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for their families under his leadership.

The two-term former Lagos State governor also assured Nigerian workers

that he was a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians.

“I join the rest of the world and all compatriots to celebrate Nigerian workers on this year’s International Workers’ Day.

“On this special day, as your President-elect, I extend my hands of friendship to the Nigerian workers through the two central Labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC).

“In me you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people. Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you,” Tinubu said.

He said his plans for better welfare and working conditions for Nigerian workers were clearly spelt out in his Renewed Hope Agenda for a better Nigeria.

He said it was a covenant born of conviction which he was prepared to keep.

He reminded Nigerian workers that we all had a common battle to wage we must win together.

He noted that it was the fight against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, ethnic and religious hate and all negative forces that contend against the stability and prosperity of the country.

“In the Nigeria I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage.

“You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.

“The days ahead will, however, demand better understanding and cooperation from all sides,because leadership will require that we take tough and hard decisions so that our people and all Nigerian workers can live more abundantly,” Tinubu said.

He further noted that Worker’s Day was a special day in most parts of the world.

He said it was a day to salute and honour the working people whose hard work and sweat continued to oil the wheel of human progress and advancement.

Tinubu said the day was significant in many respects, adding that it was a day forged and born out of the struggle for workers’ rights and socio-economic justice.

He recalled that since 1891, the day had been observed all over the world, adding that in Nigeria, every May 1 was a special day in our national calendar.

The President-elect added that the public holiday we observed was not just to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of workers to the well-being of our country.

“The public holiday serves both as a celebration of the rights of workers to dignity, decent wages and decent living.

“And more important, it is a testament to the critical role the labour movement plays in our march towards a stronger, united and more prosperous nation.

“Since 1945 when the railway workers and 16 other public service unions led the first general strike to demand for better wages as a result of rising cost of living.

“The Labour Movement in Nigeria has always fought on the side of the masses of our country,” he said.

He said it was no surprise that the labour movement added fillip, zest and energy to the struggle for independence.

This, Tinubu said, it did by partnering with nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikwe, Herbert Macaulay, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and Anthony Enahoro among others.

He added that the Nigerian Labour Movement was also not found wanting during the struggle for the restoration of democracy.

He recalled that the NLC and its affiliate organisations – NUPENG, Textile Union, PENGASSAN, among others, collaborated with the pro-democracy leaders and groups to restore democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.

This, he said, was after almost two unbroken decades of military dictatorship.

May 1, 2023
Workers Day: FG yet to pay 4 months withheld salaries – SSANU

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the Federal government to embrace industrial harmony by implementing agreements reached with unions as workers celebrate May Day.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of the association, said this in a message to commemorate the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration on Monday in Abuja.

Ibrahim said that it was imperative for the federal government to embrace industrial harmony and desist from actions inimical to industrial peace.

According to him, International Workers’ Day is always the high point of the recognition of the role of the workers in building and sustaining the social and economic systems of the world.

“Despite a hostile environment in which we operate, we remain undeterred in our quest to contribute to the building of a great country.

“Our members have continued to report for duty in the most security challenging parts of Nigeria.

“It’s a pity that the federal government has remained adamant in the payment of withheld four months salaries during the nationwide strike in 2022,’’ he said.

He also noted that SSANU had complied with all industrial legal protocol before embarking on strike when government reneged on its part of the bargain.

The SSANU president said that the association had made all efforts for the government to see reason why they should be paid their rightful due, all to no avail.

“We are once again calling on the government to urgently pay the withheld salaries without further delay. The insensitivity of government to the plight of workers is provocative and unbearable.

“Since we suspended the strike last year, the issue of re-negotiation of the 2009 Agreement has not yielded any result.

“It appears the federal government does not like the industrial harmony in the universities,‘’ he said.

Ibrahim also called on the federal government to without any delay ensure that the renegotiation was urgently concluded and implemented.

Besides, he said that on the 40 per cent pay rise that it was unfathomable that while some workers had started receiving their payment, its members were yet to receive theirs.

“We call on government to ensure that our members receive their own payment as soon as possible, if not we can no longer guarantee industrial harmony in the universities.

“We should also place it on record that the N50 billion Earned Allowances which the government promised last year is yet to be paid,’’ he said.

He therefore called on the government to release it as quickly as possible as further delay would not be helpful to the system.

He added that the morale of university workers is dampened by the inability of government to create a conducive environment in the university system.

According to him, members of the union work under harsh condition, ‘yet they put in their best to ensure that our students don’t suffer. Government appears to be paying lip service to funding education’.

“It is very clear that government pays more attention to frivolous things and has neglected the workers that generate the wealth of the nation and mould the future of the young generation.

“We call on government to resolve all issues with university workers and also tackle the challenges facing the country.

“SSANU leadership under my watch is committed and determined to address your problems by ensuring that you get your rightful due from your employers.

“We will not relent in doing that. I once again congratulate you all as we celebrate this year’s May Day,’’ he said.

May 1, 2023
May Day : Remain focused, pray for Nigeria to survive our economic woes, Oborevwori tells workers

Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has has advised Nigerians to remain focused and pray for Nigeria to survive the present day economic woes as they celebrate May Day.

He also commended workers in the country for their “immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

This message was contained in a press statement to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, the Governor-elect urged them to keep the flag flying notwithstanding the current economic challenges in the country. He encouraged them to “remain optimistic,” adding that they must remain focused and prayerful for Nigeria to come out of her present predicament.

In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, Oborevwori said: “I rejoice with Nigerian workers today as they celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day. Labour creates wealth, and is the most significant product in any country.

“I commend our workers for their sacrifice, patience, and dedication to duty. This country is grateful to you for your immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

“Though the current economic situation in the country is less than desirable, I urge you to remain optimistic, and continue to pray for wisdom for our leaders to get us out of the woods. I believe the labour of our workers shall not be in vain.

“Happy Workers’ Day.”

May 1, 2023