The Nigeria Labour Congress is set to convene in preparation for the upcoming negotiations between the Federal Government and organized labor concerning the new minimum wage.
The aim is to establish a living wage that aligns with the current cost of living.
Amidst this, the NLC remains resolute despite recent assaults on workers and their leaders in Imo State.
The NLC views these incidents as a significant threat to the constitutional rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
Ajaero, represented by the 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 victimised workers to their jobs.
“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognise 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 encouraged all participants to engage in the training with a hunger for knowledge, urging them to inquire, exchange experiences, and interact actively with both the facilitators and fellow attendees.
