2015: Labour vows to work against candidates opposed to workers’ interest

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has vowed to mobilise its members against the political interest of any aspirant opposed to the interest of workers, specifically as it concerns the removal of wage from the Exclusive list of the constitution.

The central labour movement said at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Monday that it would resist any attempt by any politician who chooses to trample on the rights of Nigerian workers.

In a communique signed by its National President, Abdulwahed Omar, and General Secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson, the NLC warned that in the interest of industrial harmony, “those enjoying undeserved advantages should not do anything to further make life more difficult for Nigerian workers.”

The NEC-in-Council said it condemns the reported stepping down of Labour, including wages from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List by the National Assembly.

In spite of some officers of the National Assembly denying the accusation, NLC said it has directed its members to commence immediate mobilization of members to support the retention of Labour and wages in the Exclusive List.

As part of the mobilization, it said members have been mandated to visit their representatives in the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to demand their inputs in on the issue.

Besides, the NEC-in-Session said it also mandated the leadership of the Congress to meet with the leadership of the Senate to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claim that it was leading the crusade for the deregulation of wages in the country.

The Congress is also to meet the leadership of the House of Representatives for re-assurance that it has not relinquished its pledge to retain wages on the Exclusive List.

“The NEC warned that it will work against the interest of any seeker of political office who chooses to trample on the rights of Nigerian workers,” the Council said.

The resolution by the Congress followed the previous one by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which warned the leadership of the Senate to retrace its steps on the issue or risk a reaction capable of
disrupting the peaceful industrial harmony in the country.