MINISTER of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu has warned Nigerian workers against “wild-cat-strike,” saying that it has become fashionable nowadays for trade unions to go on strike in utter disregard of rules and regulation.

Speaking at the 1st Medical and Health Workers’ Week, in Abuja, Chief Wogu, argued that without industrial peace and harmony in work place, sustainable growth and progress would be unattainable.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Trade union Services and Industrial Relations, Mr. Ebere Okegwu, the minister lamented that trade unions had now seen strikes as a weapon to force government and other employers to accede to their demands without following the rules.

The minister said; “It is a common knowledge that without industrial peace and harmony in work place, sustainable growth and progress would be unattainable.

“Unfortunately, strike option for many industrial unions, is increasingly becoming a weapon of choice in compelling employers to acquiesce to their demands in utter disregard of rules and regulation.”

FG commends Health workers

THE Federal Government has commended the leaders and members of the Medical and Health Workers of Nigeria, MHWUN, for the high sense of responsibility in dealing with industrial issues in the health sector.

Speaking through the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, noted that records had shown so far that MHWUN never abused the strike option, saying “it is an undisputable fact that Health Sector is unique in the sense that a strike action could and do endanger the lives of the citizenry and even worsen the nation poor health indices.”

Chief Wogu, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Trade union Services and Industrial Relations, Mr. Ebere Okegwu, lauded the understanding and the restrain being exhibited by the medical workers when inevitably industrial relations tensions build up.

He said the union was an unquestionably important stakeholder with a key role to play in the realization of the reversal of abysmal indices which characterised the heath sector.

The minister assured them that mundane issues which had mired relationship within the ranks of the stakeholders in the health sector were receiving the attention of government at the highest level, saying “I must assure you that government has been following with keen interest your position and comments on issues over the years as they affect the Medical and Health Sector.

I want to further assure you that all the impediments standing in the way of progressive attainment of the transformation agenda of this administration are being addressed.”

Textile Union honours Oshiomhole, Wogu, others

NATIONAL Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has honoured Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu and other notable Nigerians.

As part of its 10th National Delegates Conference, NDC, others honoured were, former Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrades Hassan Sunmonu, Ali Ciroma, Pascal Bafyau and current President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar.

Others included Governors of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, and the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu.