Trade Union Congress
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Half Salaries Shall have a bandwagon Effect-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 29/06/2021
- In News
The percentage payment of salaries to workers by the Ondo State Government shall have a bandwagon effect if it continues.
This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze. Transfer Money with Wise
''The situation in Ondo state is very dangerous and it could have a bandwagon effect if allowed to fester. Workers are now left to the mercy of the Government suggesting that labor unions are asleep or no longer exist'', Comrade Emelieze stated.
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May Day-Workers in Nigeria are celebrating the gift of life-Comrade Emelieze
- By solomon2day
- On 01/05/2025
- In Solomon's Column
Workers who refused to be dehumanized by the government at all levels are presently in their different homes celebrating the gift of life.
A New Beginning starts from here
This assertion was made by the National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), Comrade Andrew Emelieze, in his message on the occasion of the International Workers Day celebration.
'A sizable number of workers in Nigeria, who, by the grace of God, refused to be dehumanized, are presently in the comfort of their homes celebrating God's guidance, protection, and the gift of life, despite several attempts to abruptly compromise their existence. We thank God for life; that is the major reason we are celebrating in our various homes. Comrade Emelieze stated.
The Local Scene
The situation of workers in Nigeria is not only pitiable but also calls for urgent action to reverse the disturbing scenario.
Indeed, proteges of Those-in-Charge have, long before now, taken charge of the affairs of the two major labor centers in the country, including their affiliates.
This takeover was well-crafted and organized, even though it caught the majority of the workers unawares.
This explains why the several demands of workers have been left unattended to up till this moment.
It is obvious that the ominous times are here.
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We are Heavily taxed by the government-Federal workers
- By solomon2day
- On 15/04/2025
- In News
Workers in Nigeria have raised alarm over the unfair taxation of their monthly salaries by the federal and state governments.
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The workers under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) raised this alarm in a letter titled PROTEST AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS BY THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT, THE COMPROMISE OF LABOR UNIONS, AND NOTIFICATIONS FOR INDEFINITE PROTEST FROM 22ND APRIL 2025 BY FEDERAL WORKERS, addressed to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and signed by the National Coordinator (FWF), Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and Secretary General, Comrade Itoro Obong.
"Federal workers" salaries and ALLOWANCES are equally heavily taxed, and no tax rebate or certificate is issued to the workers at the end of the year. Despite the poor national minimum wage, the federal government in Nigeria has continued to owe federal workers lots of arrears of allowances, promotion arrears, hazard allowances, duty tour allowance (DTA), etc. This we have seen leading to agitations among health sector workers, education sector workers, and many others.
It will interest the ILO to note that the federal government of Nigeria has owed all federal government workers in Nigeria a five-month wage award worth 175,000 naira per worker since July 2024.''
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''The workers also lamented the deceitful implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage by the government, saying, More painful is the fact that the last national minimum wage of 70,000 naira was implemented without an agreed table with the organized labor representatives, and in the end only a meager 40,000 naira was what was added to the salaries of all federal workers across all levels in Nigeria. More painful is the fact that our industrial unions and their labor centers of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) never at any instance queried the new national minimum wage table, nor did they query the federal government over the arrears of five months wage award balance payment to the federal workers or others being owed the federal workers.
''The President has been very unfair and hostile to the Nigerian workers. While salaries have remained abysmally poor, President Tinubu and his team have continued to attack workers through their anti-worker policies, as we have seen in hikes in the price of petroleum products, the deliberate devaluation of our national currency (the naira), and hikes in the price of everything in the face of double-digit inflation. President Tinubu is subjecting the Nigerian workers to hellish conditions, and he has shown a lack of interest in the well-being of the workers.
The Nigerian government has also severely flouted the international conventions of the ILO cum UN aimed at promoting decent work conditions and fair pay for work done. The situation in Nigeria is an existential threat to the general populace in the country and a threat to world peace and security. ''They concluded.
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Living Wages-Workers in Nigeria are in deep shock-Comrade Emelieze
- By solomon2day
- On 05/02/2025
- In Solomon's Column
Workers in both the public and private sectors of all sectors of the economy in Nigeria are yet to attain the acceptable state of mind to guarantee unimpeded productivity.
Living wages and human-friendly conditions of service boost efficiency, effectiveness, and diligence in economies that value the worth of their workforce.
However, lamentations, complaints, grumblings, and arguments have for so long characterized the approach of workers to the scheme of things.
Sadly, the multiple effects of the obvious disregard for the workforce have manifested in all sectors of the economy.
Comrade Andrew Emelieze is the convener of the All Workers Convergence and Federal Workers Forum.
Comrade Emelieze laments that the situation is almost hopeless, just as he calls on those in charge to salvage the country's helpless workers.
''The new national minimum wage is nothing to write home about. Workers in Nigeria are in a state of confusion over the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. The amount that was added to our salaries is inconsequential, demeaning, and equally exploitative.
Federal workers are still in deep shock as the January salaries were reduced, the annual increment is missing, the so-called N40,000 consequential adjustment minimum wage was withheld, and there is no readily available explanation from the federal government. Moreover, 5 months of wage award arrears are yet to be paid, and promotion arrears are still being expected in addition to so many other arrears. Surprisingly, just as December salaries were delayed, some ministries, departments, and agencies are yet to receive January salaries.'' Comrade Emelieze revealed.
Indeed, those who worship God and mammon simultaneously are already blaming themselves and their sponsors.
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N35, 000 Wage Award-Workers are only Relieved Psychologically-Member NASU NEC
- By solomon2day
- On 18/10/2023
- In News
The N35, 000 wage award recently announced by the Federal Government has only relieved workers in Nigeria psychologically and not economically.
This assertion was made by a member of the National Executive Council(NEC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU), who is also the branch chairman of the union at the University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona.
''The announcement has calmed frayed nerves, but the government is yet to pay as at now. The review of CONHESS/CONMESS effectual from June 1st has not been implemented. The government says it has no funds. However, because of the N35, 000 wage award, workers were relieved psychologically, but economically the difficulties and hardships persist. We are yet to be paid the wage award because it did not reflect in our September salaries, Comrade Abiona stated.
In his view, a former Oyo state chairman of the NASU, Comrade Fatoki Olusola-Cole, insisted that the wage award was far below the expectations of workers, saying,'' the government says we should sacrifice, but the cost of governance is extremely high. The government has pushed Nigerians into the dungeons of poverty.''
''N35, 000 is grossly inadequate to cater for the needs of workers. We are suffering, workers accepted the award, hoping that it will go higher,'' Comrade Olusola-Cole stressed.
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Life has become Unbearable for Nigerians-Labor Leader
- By solomon2day
- On 28/07/2023
- In News
Life has become unbearable for millions of Nigerians as a result of government-induced hardships and difficulties.
This assertion was made by the deputy chairperson of the Association of Senior Civil Servants(ASCSN), Comrade(Mrs) Tayo Adebanjo-Adesida.
''Life has become unbearable for Nigerians due to the removal of the petrol subsidy and other policies of the government. This removal without consulting stakeholders is a big mistake,'' Comrae Adebanjo-Adeisda stated.
Similarly, a former chairman of the University College Hospital(UCH)Ibadan branch and the Oyo state council of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Comrade Olusegun Sotiloye has blamed the disturbing situation across the country on the long silence of the government.
''The government has been silent for too long, and this has made the situation degenerate. As things stand now, there is no hope. Patients are finding it extremely difficult to visit the hospital due to the high cost of petrol. The volume of patients has reduced drastically. It is a tough period for everybody and the increase in salaries is a drop in the ocean, '' Comrade Sotiloye noted.
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Human Trafficking-Former Oyo TUC chairman Hails Judgment Vindicating Embattled ASCSN President of Human Trafficking
- By solomon2day
- On 02/06/2023
- In News
A former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze has hailed the High Court judgment that vindicated the embattled president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN), Bola Audu for human trafficking.
Comrade Emelieze gave the commendation in a statement.
''The Judiciary remains the last resort of the common Nigerian. The high court's judgment has vindicated Bola Audu of human trafficking. This is a welcome development.
After over two years of trial, the court has finally declared that Comrade Bola Innocent Audu is truly innocent in the alleged case of human trafficking . Comrade Bola Audu, a staff of the Accountant General of the Federation, and also the National President of the Association of Senior Civil servants of Nigeria, (ASCSN), who also doubles as the National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) was arraigned alongside three other civil servants for human trafficking. We are full of joy to hear of the victory of Bola Audu,'' Comrade Emelieze concluded. -
Give Nigerians Palliatives to Cushion sufferings-Labor Leader
- By solomon2day
- On 29/04/2023
- In News
The government at all levels have been called upon to introduce palliatives that will cushion the effects of the sufferings and hardships currently being experienced by millions of Nigerians.
This call was made by the deputy chairperson of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN)Public Complaints Commission(PCC) unit, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, Mrs. Omotayo Adebanjo-Adesida.
''The Federal Government has tried to do harmonization of salaries, it. It will boost the morale of workers, but I think the government at all levels should introduce palliatives for workers and Nigerians in general, such as staff buses, low-cost housing and controlling the prices of goods and services in the market,m so that it will enable Nigerians on enjoy a good life.''
She maintained that workers in the country had every reason to celebrate workers' day, saying ''for the fact that we are alive, we have to thank God for the gift of life. In addition, because of the fact that some of us still have our jobs, we still have cause to thank God.''
In a related development, a former chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU) in Oyo state, Comrade Fatoki Olusola-Cole also insisted that the major reason why workers have cause to celebrate was because of lfie, ''I wil say to far so good, we have every cause to celebrate not minding the hardships and diffuclities the workers have exprienced in the last eight years of the present administration. We thank God that we are surviving. This administration is wicked. All the promises made were not fulfilled. The national minimum wage is nothing to write home about, considering what the cost of living is presently.''
''We thank God for seeing another May day. A 40 per cent increase in the allowances of workers is nothing to write home about. 40 per cent has been implemented for some workers. We in university, research institutes, colleges of education and polytechnics were not included. Is it only the core civil service that constitutes federal workers? Do the core civil servants have another market they patronize? We no longer have hope in this government. The government has made life unbearable for Nigerians, Comrade Olusola-Cole stated. -
Avoid Partisan Politics-NASU UCH Chairman to Labor Leaders
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
- In News
Labor leaders have been advised not to be involved in partisan politics as the 2023 general elections draw closer.
This advice was given by the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff and Associated Institutions Union (NASU), Comrade Kehinde Abiona in a caht wiht People.
''It behoves a union leader to be very careful in discussing politics with politicians. These times of political campaigns, politicians are out looking for ways and means to woo workers and trade unions, but after elections they disappear.''
''It is not expected of any civil servant to be partisan. You must not carry the toga of any political party. However, trade unionism cannot be separated from politics. We should watch our backs.
NASU has never been in any secret meeting with any candidate. We only met the Labor party candidate on May day and he signified interest he would like to come around. We in NASU UCH branch, Ibadan have never met any candidate of any political party.
There is a tiny line between trade unions and political parties,''Comrade Abiona stated.
In another development, members of the union in UCH, Ibadan at a congress held on Wednesday resolved that general election is the way to go for the union and that financial members should be allowed to participate in the process of electing leaders in the general election mode and not the process wherein a few elect delegates.
The congress noted that some Heads of Department were in the habit of handpicking delegates for the union, while also reaching a consensus that the present administration, as led by Comrade J.K Abiona should be allowed to continue the good work it had been embarking on beyond 2023.
In addition, the congress passed a vote of implicit confidence in the leadership of the union at the state council and national levels under the able leadership of the President,Dr. Barrister Makola Hassan and the General Secretary, Prince Peters.A. Adeyemi.
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Hardships-Suicide should not be an Option-Oyo TUC Chairman to Workers
- By solomon2day
- On 17/09/2022
- In News
Workers in Nigeria have been advised not to opt for suicide as a way out of the life-threatening situation in the country. This advice was given by the chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC),Comrade Emmanuel Ogundiran.
''An average Nigerian is undergoing the worst period of life. The economy, the political environment and the social space are getting worse by the day.Nigerians can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. The galloping inflation has rendered workers' salaries useless. Our religious worship centers which are supposed to be placers of succour have now become points for extortion. Adherents are growing poorer at a rapid rate, while the facilitators of the centers are moving from cars to private jets. All these added together have dampened the morale of workers in Nigeria, but I must be quick in saying that suicide is not an option. Suicide should not be an option,'' Comrade Ogundiran stated.
He also advised workers to develop an alternative saying, '' whatever your class, think of plan B. After your primary job, what can you do that would bring additional food to your table?
''Comrade Ogundiran warned workers to control their temper, while stressing ''stay away from anger. Stay away from people who cannot motivate themselves out of their frustration. No matter how small a fight is, avoid it. Preserve your life and you are sure of seeing the next day. Finally, no matter the situation, no matter what you are facing, if you know that when there is life there is hope, suicide should not be an option.''
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Teaching Hospitals Decay-We Trust Our Representatives to do the right thing-NUAHP
- By solomon2day
- On 26/07/2022
- In News
Nigerians rely on their elected representatives to salvage the University Teaching Hospitals from total collapse.
This assertion was made on Monday by the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), who also doubles as the Chairman of the union at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Oladayo Olabampe.
Presently, there is a Bill before the Federal House of Representatives for the amendment of the University
Teaching Hospital (Reconstitution of Boards etc.) Act CAP U15 LFN 2004 sponsored by
Honourable Bamidele Salam representing Ede North/Ede South /Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal
Constituency of Osun State.
The Bill, seeks to curtail the unending acrimony among professionals in the teaching hospitals by ensuring that all critical stakeholders are involved in the composition of the boards of Teaching Hospitals, with a view to making them more vibrant and efficient."Nigerians rely so much on their representatives that we trust them. We trust them to do the right thing. The bill has passed second reading and is now for public hearing. Come the 27th of this month, we don't have to doubt them, we should rather appreciate them for rising up to the challenge. It is because we were not ready in the last 37 years, now that we arewake I know that the bill will be given final assent, "
''Our faictilities are collapsing, but the leaders in the health sector are only interested in how to make money rather than providing equipment for the hospitals. The hospitals are deteriorating. If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do? Thanks to Hon. Bamidele Salam, we were treating signs and symptoms, but the case is different. The amended Act will correct ou past error,''Comrade Olabampe concluded.
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Trade Unionism in Nigeria has been Monetized-Unionist
- By solomon2day
- On 23/05/2022
- In News
The monetization and politicization of trade unionism in Nigeria has impacted negatively on workers in the country.
This assertion was made by a member of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN)(Federal, Oyo state chapter), Comrade Olaniyi Ajibosho.Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt -Legalizing Crime and Criminality
The union as a whole has been monetized and politicized. The main purpose of the union is to protect the interest of cheated Nigerian workers. Most Labor leaders believe in political patronage rather than protecting the interests of impoverished workers. The way forward is for there to be a continous sensitzation and education of workers on the need for them to support credible personalities who will never compromise and sell out, '' Comrade Ajibosho stated.-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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2023 Presidency- Vote in a Healthy Person with Governance Experience and Initiative-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 29/01/2022
- In News
Nigerians have been advised to vote in a President with governance experience,integrity and a high level of initiative.
Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
This advice was given by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former Chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
‘’Nigerians always make the mistake of idolizing personalities with the hope that such personalities shall facilitate good governance. This is deceptive as reflected in the present administration at all levels. Nigerians should vote in a healthy President who is physically fit, with a wealth of experience, integrity and a very high level of initiative. Same for all political office holders occupying executive and legislative positions at the federal, state and local government levels.
However, for good governance to be achieved, the system must be overhauled before the general elections in 2023. If the system is not overhauled, the next President, a number of Governors and lawmakers could be worse than what we are experiencing presently,’’ Comrade Emelieze warned.
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
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FG Plans to Sack Workers-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 10/05/2021
- In News
An Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze has alerted workers in the Federal Civil Service of the plans to lay off workers on particular grades.
Comrade Emelieze who is also the former Chairman of the TUC in the state made this known in a chat with Poverty Line.
''It should be noted that the idea to cut down the workforce, reduce salaries and merge Ministries, Departments and Agencies is not acceptable, considering what workers are passing through. However, it is the intention of the Federal Government to sack workers in particular grades in the Federal Civil Service.
These policies are been driven by the conditions spelled out in the documents containing the country's indebtedness to the International Monetary Fund(IMF) and the World Bank, in the face of corruption and leakages from the national wealth,'' Comrade Emelieze stated.
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Insecurity: Workers are living in Perpetual Fear-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 29/04/2021
- In News
The unabating insecurity in Nigeria has caused workers to now live in perpetual fear.
This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress, who is also a former chairman of the union, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''Workers and as a matter of fact, all Nigerians now live in perpetual fear and we are not sure of going back home anytime we set out to work, neither are we also sure of our security at home. Workers are at great risk due to the total collapse of the security architecture in the country.''
Comrade Emelieze wondered why labor leaders have been mute on the worrisome situation saying, ''one would have expected a swift response from labor leaders in the Nigeria Labor Congress and the Trade Union Congress; but the leadership of the labor centers and their affiliate industrial unions have been quiet while lives and properties have been lost. Labor has maintained passivity in the face of kidnappings and killings in Nigeria. The Government is deliberately sacrificing Nigerians and Soldiers for a sinister agenda that still remains unknown, Comrade Emelieze stated.
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Tax Waiver-FG and States should Emulate Akwa Ibom-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 09/07/2020
- In News
The Federal and State Governments have been called upon to emulate the Akwa Ibom state Government by giving tax waivers to Nigerians.
This call was made by the All Workers Convergence(AWC),through its National Coordinator,Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''The AWC calls on the Federal Government to emulate the Akwa Ibom state Government by giving tax holiday to workers and all those in businesses badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Government should for once show signs of commitment to the people and reduce hardships, suffering and exploitation of the people knowing fully well that government never supported tax payers during the lock down as was the case in other countries,'' Comrade Emelieze noted.
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Find out If New minimum wage is in 2020 Budget-ULC to NLC
- By solomon2day
- On 16/10/2019
- In News
The Nigeria Labor Congress has been called upon to confirm the inclusion of the new national minimum wage in the 2020 national budget.
This call was made by the Chairman of the United Labor Congress(ULC) in Abia state, Comrade Christopher Uchenna Ezekiel.
“The NLC should concentrate more on knowing if the increased minimum wage was captured in the 2020 federal government budget or not, before taking the decision to embark on national strike and then declare the proposed strike in those States that are still owing their workers arrears of salaries rather than calling for blanket national strike action against the Federal government, Comrade Ezekiel state.
He lamented that a number of state governments were owing workers salary arrears under the present N18,000 minimum wage regime saying, ''if some of these Governors cannot pay the present N18, 000, is it now that we have an increase that they would pay ?''
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New Minimum Wage : Nigerian Workers have Lost Out-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 20/08/2019
- In News
The All Workers Convergence(ACW) has berated labor leaders in Nigeria for begging President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the new national minimum wage negotiation.
According to the National Coordinator of the AWC, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, ‘’ it is very embarrassing and ridiculous for labor leaders in Nigeria to beg Mr. President to intervene in the new minimum wage negotiation, President Muhammadu Buhari has severally made his stand known to Nigerian workers, that he is not ready to make workers happy, if not he ought to have influenced a reasonable new national minimum wage’’.
‘’ Labor leaders have exposed their weaknesses and stupidity by begging Mr. President, who from events is nonchalant to workers welfare. Painfully, Nigerian workers have lost out and the present crop of labor leaders are killing unionism in Nigeria, in their approach to the new national minimum wage by begging the question.’’
‘’Labor leaders have proven themselves to be a monumental disaster to the interest of Nigerian workers. And so, at the level of the AWC, we call on labor leaders to resign, if they cannot use legal industrial means to achieve the new national minimum wage’’, Comrade Emelieze stated.
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Why We Called Off Indefinite Industrial Action-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 03/08/2019
- In News
The All Workers Covergence(AWC) has said that the indefinite strike action it facilitated was called off after achieving its major purpose.
The AWC made this disclosure in a chat with People through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''The protest was meant to be an indefinite strike action and shut down of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Ibadan, which was successfully done on Monday, 29, July, 2019, at the end of the day the workers converged and it was unanimously agreed that having created the needed awareness there was the need for a review.''
'' Moreso, the protest was not meant to deny people of their rights, we therefore decided to observe reactions surrounding the protest and based on the reactions we received, we decided the next line of action. Most importantly, the message has been sent to the right quarters and workers have been freely able to express their displeasure, anger and unhappiness over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, the continued kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes of innocent Nigerians at home and abroad.
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Retrenchment must not be a Condition of the Payment of New Minimum Wage-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 31/05/2019
- In News
The Three tiers of Government and the Organized Private Sector(OPS) in Nigeria have been called upon to not to make the retrenchment of workers as a condition for the implementation of the N30, 000 new national minimum wage.
This call was made by the All Workers Convergence(AWC) through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''Government at all levels are called upon to come out with a policy statement, more of a commitment that no employer of labour, whether in the public sector or private sector must retrench before they can pay the new minimum wage. Workers are not begging any employer of labour and if at all they go ahead with their evil machinations, labour must pose a counter reaction, which of course must be uncompromising and that is the only way we can stop them from exploiting Nigerian workers. Any attempt by government to downsize would be vehemently resisted by workers''.
''To check any sector, government or private, from not implementing the new national minimum wage, the labour movements are called upon to also issue a policy statement that the country risks a national strike, if any employer of labour refuses to pay the new national minimum wage or goes ahead to downsize'', Comrade Emelieze stated.