In preparation for the upcoming negotiations on the new Minimum Wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is holding a meeting in Abuja to discuss and develop a living wage that can adequately cover the cost of living.
The NLC is determined to not be discouraged by the recent attack on workers and their leaders in Imo State, recognizing that this poses a serious threat to their freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
These important issues were addressed by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, during the Opening Session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja, where the focus is on enhancing workers’ skills for policy engagement.
Ajaero, represented by the Congress Deputy President, Benjamin Anthony said: “In the face of adversity and brutality encountered while advocating for the rights of workers to earn their legitimate income and benefits, our resolve remains unwavering. We are motivated to continue our efforts towards achieving decent work and improving working conditions in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.
“The recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo State poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, and should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill.
“The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo State Government to address all labour issues and return the so called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimized workers to their jobs.
“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognize that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult, especially for working people in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.”
“The removal of subsidy on petroleum products has further exacerbated the challenges faced by working people, unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.
“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development,” he added.
