Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, has declared the labour union as partners in progress with the Anambra State government, signaling a cooperative stance aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers and advancing the socioeconomic development of Anambra State.
Comrade Nwafor made this
declaration, Monday during a press briefing at St. Paul’s University, Awka, where he
outlined the weeklong activities for the May 2024 Workers Day celebration.
Reflecting on last year's
Workers Day, Comrade Nwafor remarked that it was his first as the state NLC
chairman. This year, the union has decided to introduce additional activities
to project the image of the union and foster unity among all industrial unions
in Anambra State.
The NLC Week commenced with sports activities at St. Paul’s University, Awka. Other scheduled
activities for the week include visits to institutions such as the Nigerian
Correctional Service in Amawbia. The council will also have a medical outreach
with an engagement with Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, CEO of Anambra State Health
Insurance Agency (ASHIA), addressing health awareness, including free medical
checks sponsored by ASHIA. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the Governor's wife, will speak
on Healthy Living, accompanied by security talks by the Commissioner for
Police. There will also be visits to SabMiller, LOVEBITE, among others.
"Having outlined all these activities, it's important to view these developments positively. They provide us with diverse perspectives on the significance of May Day celebrations. May Day shouldn't be reduced to a mere march at Ekwueme Square on May 1st; it should involve various events that deepen our understanding and appreciation of this occasion.
"These activities serve to
cultivate a positive relationship among workers, fostering unity and
collaboration. They reinforce our collective identity, particularly in our
interactions with the government. Sport, in particular, serves as a unifying force,
strengthening our bonds beyond the confines of May Day events.
"Given our substantial
workforce of 70,000 individuals, we possess the leverage to present our demands
to the government, which we believe will be receptive to our concerns. We view
ourselves as partners in progress with the government, committed to cooperating
to propel the state forward. Our contributions to the state's development are
evident, given our presence across various sectors.
"Workers serve as the
backbone of the government's initiatives. It is imperative for our fellow
workers to recognize our collective strength and demonstrate our readiness to
contribute positively to the state's development. Hence, we embark on a
comprehensive week of activities to pave the way for the May Day
celebrations," he said.
Regarding the issue of minimum
wage, Comrade Nwafor explained that the tripartite committee met in Enugu,
where the Southeast Zone's minimum wage was set at N540,000, and N709,000 at
the national level, with negotiations ongoing. He expressed anticipation for
President Tinubu's announcement on May 1st and assured that Governor Chukwuma
Soludo, a committee member, would not exclude Anambra State from implementing
any approved decisions on the minimum wage.
Addressing concerns about
workers being denied the opportunity to march in last year's May Day
celebration, Comrade Nwafor attributed it to harsh weather conditions.
"Governor Soludo suggested that if workers accepted it, they should forego
the march. It wasn't an order, but due to the inclement weather," he
clarified.
Among the notable NLC attendees at the press briefing were Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, Vice Chairman of NLC, Anambra State Council, Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe, President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra State. and Comrade Henry Ezeoke, Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Anambra State, who is also Chairman of the Sports Committee for May Day 2024.
Post a Comment