By Victor AhiumaYoung

ORGANISED labour under the platform of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has raised an alarm over increasing threats to their survival by social partners, both locally and internationally.

Specifically, the NLC and the TUC lamented that their social partners are increasingly posing threats to their survival, endangering the very essence of their existence.

At the joint May Day address with the theme, ‘People First’, President of NLC, and his TUC counterpart, Joes Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively among others, said: “Nigerian workers and the trade union movement face escalating pressures, both locally and globally. Our social partners increasingly pose threats to our survival, endangering the very essence of our existence. As jobs vanish, work conditions deteriorate, and inequality festers in our workplaces while Decent work deficits increases, the efficacy of trade unions is severely compromised.

“It is worrying for us in the trade union movement that the state which is supposed to be the custodian of our laws is leading the defiance of its own institutions and agreements reached through social dialogue which Mr. President had pledged was going to be the driving force of his presidency during his inaugural speech here in Eagle square.

“We are therefore worried that if the instruments of reasonable and civil engagements are deliberately scuttled, what other platforms or choices will then be left for resolving social differences that daily occur in our nation? 

“The quest at undermining the civic space is what can only be embarked upon by leadership that is not circumspect as it remains the only space to be used to democratically assist the nation’s leaders take right decisions that would guarantee sustainable development and maintain Nigeria as a surviving entity.  

“Anything that therefore undermines social dialogue, undermines the capacity of our nation to continuously evolve mechanisms for peaceful resolution of socioeconomic issues that may continually confront our nation.

“However, we must not relent. The nature and character of our response is critical to what becomes not just of the movement but what becomes of our nation and indeed the globe. It is hence imperative that our trade union movement remains deeply rooted in its ideological heritage. 

“The imperative to dismantle barriers dividing us has never been more urgent. We must forge a cohesive movement capable of safeguarding our interests while staying relevant to Nigerian workers amidst the escalating challenges and impunity in our industrial landscape.

“All unhealthy divisions within our various industrial unions must cease. All philosophies and principles that have led to such schisms must be removed.  “It is only when our affiliates are working together and are effectively engaging the issues that confront them on daily basis that we can have vibrant Labour centers that are better positioned to deliver on the expectations of Nigerian workers and people. 

“All workers must rise from our celebrations today more determined than ever before to build a trade union movement that will continue to walk within the philosophies and traditions that propelled it into existence. 

“The Minimum Wage struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the resistance faced by workers and the obstacles deliberately placed by the government. It underscores the pressing need for unity across all levels of engagement to advance our shared objectives. 

“We are already working together in every facet of the national minimum wage fixing process to ensure that better results are achieved which will not only speak to the welfare of Nigerian workers but would also assist in driving business activities around the nation. “We are united by a common ideology and intertwined destinies. Any leader who fails to grasp this fundamental truth does not uphold our proud traditions. Our individual aspirations must yield to collective will. 

“Only through collective action can we lift workers and the masses from the shackles of oppression and poverty. It is based on this realization that we want to assure you that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stand resilient and more united than ever. 

“Our strength has grown, our reach expanded, positioning us strategically to engage with our social partners for the benefit of Nigerian workers and the masses. Those that worked and prayed for our disunity have become increasingly frustrated. Despite challenges, we have initiated collaborations amongst ourselves to advocate for better welfare for Nigerian workers. 

“We urge all shades of opinions and positions within the movement to avoid self-seeking outcomes but should be led only by actions that would protect, promote and propel the interests of Nigerian workers. Such self-seeking actions betray the essence of dialogue and hinder efforts to bridge longstanding divides within our movement. 

“We extend our hand of fellowship to all Nigerian workers and unions, reaffirming our commitment to building a vibrant Labour movement that amplifies the voices and protects the interests of all workers. Nigerians and indeed Nigeria looks up to us and we must not fail.”