In a close door meeting with NLC
In her resolved to avert industrial action by organised Labour, The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Simon Lanlong has scheduled a separate meeting with the leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC), today Monday 18th , September, 2023 by 4pm.
Presently , the Minister is in a close door meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) .
The meeting which commence at 1pm have in attendance Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha and other government functionaries .
From the Labour side, the NLC president Comrade Joe Ajaero , General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, National Financial Secretary and president of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu and others.
Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Simon Lanlong told the gathering before the meeting went on close door that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu government recognize valid grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, adding that “we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.
According to him, “As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation. Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement.
“In the spirit of unity and with utmost commitment to the betterment of our nation, let us seize this opportunity to listen and understand one another. Together, let us explore innovative approaches, reimagining strategies that enhance working conditions and worker benefits while nurturing a robust economy.
“I am confident that this gathering will produce resolutions that propel our labour sector towards greater strength, and our beloved country towards a brighter future. We eagerly look forward to our discussions today, knowing that the harmonious collaboration between the government and the NLC will facilitate an environment where our workforce thrives, and our economy flourishes”.
NLC president in his remarks frowned at double standards practice by the government on the issue of industrial action which according to them disrupt the economy.
He said how can the same government reconcile the reduction of working days by some state governments following the removal of subsidy.
On the recent invasion and arrest of the elected president of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade tasked to resolve the issue before it snowball to something else.
In a related development, the Minister will be having a separate meeting with the leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC) by 4pm today.
According to a letter addressed to the General Secretary of TUC, signed by the Director, Trade Union Services and industrial relations, Emmanuel Igbinosun, said the meeting was a status update follow-up meeting .
“Following the meeting on 4th September, 2023 by the leadership of the TUC with the Honourable Ministers of Labour and Employment, a status update follow-up meeting with your leadership is now required.
“The meeting with the I-Ionourable Ministers is scheduled as follows:
Date: Monday, September 1 8th, 2023, Time: is 4om.Venue: Conference Room of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja”.
END.