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Tag: workers

  • Workers groan as downpour causes gridlock in Lagos

    Workers groan as downpour causes gridlock in Lagos

    Some Lagos workers on Wednesday lamented the persistent rainfall which is causing gridlock and flooding in many parts of the state.

    NAN reports that Lagos is experiencing consistent rainfall, which is causing gridlock and flooding in various parts of the city.

    Some workers said that the rain has led to hike in transport fare, amidst economic hardship.

    It has become a common occurrence during the rainy season in Lagos and it leads to disruptions in transportation, businesses, and daily activities.

    Mr Oluwaseun Olatunbosun, a resident in Alimosho who works with Fibrenet around the Ikeja area, also said that there was always a hike in fare anytime the rain fell.

    “If there is no rain, I spend like N1,000 from my house around Orisunbare to Ikeja where my office is but I spend well over N1,000 during the rainy season.

    “As it is now, the traffic is heavy and I am sure there will be an increase in the fare as I am going to the office,” he said.

    Another resident, Miss Favour Blessing, who lives around Ilepo in Abule Egba and works in a Spar in Ikeja, told NAN that the fare to her office usually was between N600 and N800 if there was no rain.

    “Right now with the rain, the fare could be between N1,000 and N1,400.

    “It is worrisome because of the economic situation in the country. Sometimes I don’t even go to work because of the hike in fare when it rains,” she said.

    A schoolteacher, Mrs Juliet Okonkwo, said that most of her students come late to school during the rainy season.

    Okonkwo added that the rain does not only affect the students but also the teachers too.

    “We have to make our way to work even with the gridlock because we have a responsibility to the kids,” she said.

    Another Lagos worker, an architect, Mr Shola Ayodele, told NAN that work was always slow during rainy seasons.

    He added that the rainy season affected his site engineers because they hardly come to work, blaming their absence to the hike in fares.

  • Strike: Workers in Delta comply with directive

    Strike: Workers in Delta comply with directive

    Civil servants  in Delta, on Monday, complied with the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to begin an indefinite strike.

    The labour unions had handed down the order over the Federal Government’s failure to approve and implement a new minimum wage for workers after the May 31 deadline.

    A correspondent, who monitored workers compliance at the federal and state secretariats in Asaba at 9.00 a.m., reports that most government offices were not opened.

    Also, the State House of Assembly and the State High Court complex were closed and officials of the labour unions were seen enforcing compliance with the directive.

    At the state secretariat, a security official, who did  not want his name published, said that the gates to the premises were locked by officials of the unions on Sunday night.

    He said that the labour enforcement team led by the TUC Chairman, Martin Bolum, returned this morning to check the situation at the secretariat.

    Also, students of public primary and secondary schools in the state, who had gone early to school, were seen returning home due to their teachers’ compliance with the strike.

    In a telephone interview, Bolum told NAN that the unions’ enforcement team had in the early hours of Monday picket some banks, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, schools and other establishments in the state capital to ensure total compliance.

    According to reports, police personnel were deployed in strategic locations in Asaba metropolis including the Federal Medical Centre to prevent breakdown of law and order.

  • Construction workers threaten strike over sack of 30,000 workers

    Construction workers threaten strike over sack of 30,000 workers

    Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) and National Union of Civil Engineering Construction Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), have threatened to stop work on major roads due to some crises.

    The unions affiliated to the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represent the senior and junior staff in the construction industry.

    The National President of CCESSA, Ayodeji Adeyemo, and the NUCECFWW President Stephen Okoro, at a news conference on the state of the construction industry on Friday in Abuja, raised alarm over the plight of construction workers.

    According to Adeyemo, the construction industry is the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria after the Government.

    He, however, expressed concern that a lot of workers were being laid off by construction companies and the trend was creating a crisis in the sector.

    “Over 30,000 workers have lost their jobs and about 52,000 workers may lose their jobs if care is not taken.

    “Over 20,000 have already lost their jobs in the last three months and 32,000 will also lose their jobs if the conflicts are not resolved.

    “We may have no choice but to stop work on major roads if the trend continues.

    “Some of the roads that are affected by the conflicts are roads being handled by major construction companies like RCC, Setraco, Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, among others.

    “They are: Obajana road, Abuja -Kano Road, Bodo-Bonny road, East-West road, Lagos-Ibadan express way, Zaria -Sokoto road and Edo-Auchi road.

    “When you sack people with family and other dependents, you are only calling for more insecurity in the country. Nigeria is currently grappling with insecurity and you can imagine when 52,000 workers are laid off,” he fumed.

    Adeyemo said that the unions were also concerned with the disagreement between the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) and the Minister of Works.

    According to him, there is a total slowdown in the industry due to disagreement between the contractors handling various civil construction projects for the Federal Government and the ministry of Works.

    He said this was as a result of unilateral imposition of new standard conditions of contracts by the Minister, contrary to the existing conditions as approved by the Bureau of public procurement (BPP).

    According to him, this has affected employment in the industry, leading to mass sack of Nigerian workers who are members of our unions.

    Adeyemo said the unions have appealed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for a form of bail out to the distressed construction sector rather than any form of conflict.

    “We call on the federal government to resolve the conflict in the industry by involving all stakeholders in contract awards.

    “These are the Bureau of Public procurement (BPP), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of works, Council for Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), among others.

    “We urge the Minister of Works, FOCI and all concerned to amicably resolve the current conflict within 21 days otherwise, the two Unions will be compelled to declare industrial actions in the construction industry.”

    The two unions called for an end to banditry, kidnappings and killings that had become so common in the country, urging security agencies to ensure the safety of the members and all Nigerians.

  • Dana Air disengages workers over runway incident

    Dana Air disengages workers over runway incident

    Dana Air on Saturday announced  disengagement of some of its workers  amid ongoing operational audit of the airline.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Lagos by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline.

    According to Ezenwa, Dana Air has made a decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending  conclusion of the audit.

    “The audit, currently underway, is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.

    “Dana Air reaffirms its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution of the audit process.

    “In the light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit.

    “This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.

    “The management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty,” he said.

    According to him, the airline rerecognises the difficulties the staff have had to endure.

    He gave the  assurance that efforts are being made to provide updates.

    “Dana Air remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout this process.

    “While these challenges are being addressed, Dana Air has commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.

    “Dana Air, therefore, urges for calm and understanding from our very dedicated staff.

    “The management is working diligently to address any concerns and is preparing a re-start plan that will ensure  safe and efficient resumption of operations,” he said.

    According to him, Dana Air is confident that,  with  continued support of its staff and other stakeholders, it would overcome the challenges.

    Recall that on April 23,  the airline’s aircraft with registration number 5N BKI, which took off in Abuja, veered off the runway while landing at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja.

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, on April 24, issued a letter to the airline informing it of suspension of its operations and intiation of   investigation  to ascertain the cause of the incident.

  • Edo govt. recruited 5,000 workers in 7 years – Obaseki

    Edo govt. recruited 5,000 workers in 7 years – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Wednesday, said his administration had employed more than 5,000 new workers into the state civil service in the last seven years.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the 2024 May Day celebrations at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

    He said that the 5,000 workers were recruited based on merit, and not on favouritism.

    “Now, you don’t need to know anybody to get government work in Edo,” he said.

    Obaseki said that he decided to increase the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 because workers’ welfare remained paramount to his administration.

    “But, should the Federal Government decide on a higher minimum wage and decide to make the funds available to states from the savings which they have made from  removal of fuel subsidy, Edo will adjust its minimum wage to that,” he said.

    The governor said he was leaving the state workforce better than he met it, noting that the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy had trained over 10,000 workers.

    “From a state which ranked the highest in human trafficking and irregular migration seven years ago, we have become a state with the lowest number of multidimensional poor.

    “We have one of the lowest infant and maternal mortality rate and lowest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Odion Olaye, said that the governor was approached to approve the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.

    Olaye, however, urged Obaseki to fullfil his promise of paying the wage award he had promised the state workers to cushion the effect of  fuel subsidy removal by the federal government.

    He also appealed to the governor to prevail on the local government councils in the state to pay the salary arrears owed from 2017 to 2023, with the improved allocation.

  • BREAKING: Several workers trapped as building collapses in Kano

    BREAKING: Several workers trapped as building collapses in Kano

    An unidentified number of workers were trapped when a building collapsed in the Kuntau area of Gwale local government area of Kano State.

    According to reports, at least 11 individuals were caught under the rubble of the building, which was under construction. Emergency responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Fire Service have been on the scene working to rescue those trapped.

    Two people have been successfully rescued and rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

    Excavation efforts were underway, with responders tirelessly working to locate and rescue any remaining trapped individual. So far, some corpses have been recovered from the site, though the exact number has not yet been confirmed.

    The cause of the building collapse is still unknown, and local authorities were investigating the incident. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.

     

  • National Assembly workers demand extension of retirement age to 65 years

    National Assembly workers demand extension of retirement age to 65 years

    Workers at the National Assembly want their retirement extended to 65 years of age or 40 years in service.

    Retirement age in the federal civil service is 60 years or 35 years in service, whichever comes first.

    Mr Sunday Sabiyi, chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Assembly workers umbrella body, on Thursday in Abuja urged the Senate to pass the workers’ demand into law.

    He stated that the extension of number of service years or retirement age was expedient as there was a dearth of qualified staff in the Legislature resulting from interruption of democracy by Nigeria’s military.

    “The Legislature which has always been the victim in the event of military takeover of government has been affected by instability in the career progression of its workers,’’ he added.

    Sabiyi explained that the number of few trained officers in the Legislature had been further depleted by the Public Service Rule of 60 years of age or 35 years of service.

    This, he also explained, had created a vacuum and shortage of qualified manpower in the legislative service.

    He stressed that there was the need to extend National Assembly workers’ retirement age as proposed in a Bill before the National Assembly to maximise the knowledge and experience of the few trained staff.

    Sabiyi stated that the extension of retirement age would also build the capacity of young employees of the National Assembly Service.

    “Considering the importance of legislative service as a specialised service globally, the passage of the Bill into law will strengthen the Legislature and bring it into conformity with international best practices,’’ he stressed.

    He urged the Senate to rightly exercise its legislative powers by passing the harmonised retirement age for staff of National Assembly Service in Nigeria Bill into law.

    This, according to him, is for the stabilisation and development of capacity at the National Assembly service for the sustenance of democracy.

    Sabiyi added that it was also for fairness at the various arms of government in line with the doctrine of separation of powers.

    The 8th Assembly, by resolution, passed the National Assembly Service Staff Regulations 2019 extending the retirement age for staff to 65 years of age or 40 years of service.

    The harmonised retirement age for staff of both legislative houses was later introduced by the 9th House of Representatives, but was not passed.

  • Music streaming giant, Spotify plans to flush out 17% of its workforce

    Music streaming giant, Spotify plans to flush out 17% of its workforce

    Music streaming giant, Spotify, said Monday it will reduce the number of its employees by around 17% in a bid to cut costs amid “dramatically” slower economic growth.

    Spotify in October posted a rare quarterly operating profit of 32 million euros, compared to a loss of 228 million for the same period a year earlier, on the back of 26% growth in active users for the third quarter.

    “I realise that for many, a reduction of this size will feel surprisingly large given the recent positive earnings report and our performance,” chief executive Daniel Ek wrote in a letter to employees, which was seen by AFP.He said that in 2020 and 2021, the company “took advantage of the opportunity presented by lower-cost capital and invested significantly in team expansion, content enhancement, marketing and new verticals.

    However, we now find ourselves in a very different environment. And despite our efforts to reduce costs this past year, our cost structure for where we need to be is still too big.”Spotify has invested heavily since its launch to fuel growth with expansions into new markets and, in later years, exclusive content such as podcasts.It has invested over one billion dollars into podcasts alone.In 2017, the company had around 3,000 staff members, more than tripling the figure to around 9,800 at the end of 2022.The company has never posted a full-year net profit and only occasionally quarterly profits despite its success in the online music market.

  • Subsidy removal: Covenant University increases workers’ salary by 20%

    Subsidy removal: Covenant University increases workers’ salary by 20%

    The Board of Regents, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, has approved 20 per cent salary increase for all the staff of the institution.

    Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Ota.

    Adebayo said the decision by the Board to implement the salary increase was to cushion the adverse effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, which led to a rise in inflation in the country.

    “The VC appreciated the Board of Regents of the University, led by the Chancellor, Dr. David  Oyedepo, in making such a compassionate decision to alleviate the harsh economic situation of the country for the University’s workforce,” he said.

    According to Adedayo, the salary increase will take effect from September to boost the morale and commitment of the Faculty and Staff of the University.

    He added that this has also engendered a fresh drive and vigour in the pursuit of its vision of raising a new generation of leaders and the actualisation of its newly unfolded Vision 7-2030 agenda.

  • Strike: Sokoto workers disregard union’s directives

    Strike: Sokoto workers disregard union’s directives

    Workers in Sokoto State on Tuesday defied the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), proceeding with their official duties in spite of the nationwide indefinite strike call.

    Routine operations were conducted at the federal and state Ministries, banks, and schools.

    Malam Ismail Dayyabu, a classroom teacher, said that they were not served notice of the strike and they were only aware of a Court order restraining the union from striking.

    “We can do nothing but wait for proper communication. That’s why we went to work as usual, with no official engagements halted,” he explained.

    Similarly Alhaji Bala Dankasuwa, a trader, said he was ignorant of any strike action, emphasising that their leaders had not communicated such a decision.

    Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC, Sokoto State chapters have assured their commitment to enforcing total compliance with the nationwide strike in the state.

    Mr Hamisu Hussain, the state NLC Secretary, acknowledged the delayed communication of the strike information to workers in the state.

    He explained, “Due to the delayed notice, many workers in banks and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) could not join the strike today.

    “However, I can assure you that by tomorrow, we will have a total compliance as we have notified all of them. No excuse will be accepted,” he said.

    Mr Bello Garba, the state TUC Secretary, condemned the alleged assault on the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, during the union’s rally in Imo.

    Garba warned that such incidents could recur nationwide, if not properly addressed, while assuring the strike