BY Victor Ahuma-Young

The 6th African regional congress of the International Labour and Employment Relations Association, ILERA, has called for immediate review of labour laws and other institutional frameworks in Nigeria to ensure they approximate substantive employment relations conditions and guarantee the protection of workers’ rights.

At a recent congress held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, with not less than 250 participants comprising individuals from 6 countries, officials of ILERA, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other development institutions, scholars and practitioners of industrial relations, trade unionists, government officials, the press and interested members of the public, ILEA members demanded for the strengthening of partnerships with credible and relevant institutions as a means of furthering the cause of employment relations.

In a communique at the end of the five -day congress, members resolved “to give attention to the resolutions of the congress and explore institutional options to ensure their implementation. To promote knowledge and research on the subject of employment relations, in addition to encouraging dialogue between governments and other stakeholders on the issue.

To highlight the role (and responsibility) of regulatory agencies and national governments with respect to the enforcement of labour rights and employment relations guidelines.

To strengthen advocacy against violations of labour rights by multinational corporations operating in Africa. To support collaborations with trade unions and other institutions in the area of organizing informal sector workers with a view to improving employment relations therein. To promote initiatives aimed at capacitating labour constituents to enable them articulate their interests while enhancing their capacity to defend their rights and to encourage the formation of national associations and/or units with affiliation to ILERA as a means of furthering the cause of labour and employment relations on the continent.”

According to the communique, congress recommended “The development of effective procedures and institutions to address challenges in the area. The review of labour laws and other institutional frameworks to ensure they approximate substantive employment relations conditions and guarantee the protection of workers’ rights. The institution of appropriate and useful congress follow up activities. The strengthening of partnerships with credible and relevant institutions as a means of furthering the cause of employment relations.”