The representatives of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union have expressed worry over unresolved industrial relations issues impacting Nigerian workers.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Akhator Odigie.
African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation encompasses 101 affiliates across 52 African nations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
According to the group, the incident in Imo State on November 1, 2023, resulting in the violent attack on workers, including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, was a violation of human rights and a direct affront to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
“The African trade union movement views this attack is very troubling, given the stature of the NLC and its commendable roles in advancing working-class solidarity and contributions to the continent’s development and shared prosperity. This attack is an insult to the African trade union movement. It is unacceptable and condemnable.
“Mr President, as you are aware, the NLC and TUC had planned to undertake a nationwide strike to press for a thorough investigation and unravelling of the circumstances surrounding the dastardly attack on peaceful protesters.
“Our Nigerian affiliates reliably informed us that your government took a timely and commendable step to extend an olive branch to the NLC and TUC, appealing for calling off the strike action to pave the way for social dialogue,” Odigie noted.
According to the general secretary of ITUC-Africa, despite the trade unions’ show of good faith by calling off the strike, there is no traction towards justice to date.
Odigie further stated during the recently concluded 5th Delegates Congress of the ITUC-Africa, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 28 to 30, delegates decided that the group would take renewed steps towards the defence, protection and promotion of human and trade union rights.
“The case of the NLC president and the plight of workers in Nigeria were considered, among other issues, urgent matters that the ITUC-Africa must follow up judiciously,” he noted.
Given those developments and the worsening industrial relations, he said ITUC-Africa’s appeal to President Tinubu to initiate negotiations with employers and trade unions for prompt and faithful implementation of agreements, and swiftly address salary and pension arrears for public sector workers nationwide, including Imo State.
The group also urged the President to ensure a genuine investigation into the attack on the NLC President, providing medical care and compensation.
“Failure to show progress within 30 days may lead to continent-wide picketing and upholding workers’ rights, safeguarding civil liberties, and refraining from interfering in union administration.
“Engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Nigeria Labour Congress and its leaders to address the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers, respecting negotiated agreements and decisions,” he added.
He stressed the need for the government to put in place measures to arrest the decline in civility concerning industrial relations and to prevent the misuse of power for resolving disputes.
