January 4, 2015 – The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has congratulated Nigerian workers and unrelenting masses for surviving the myriad of challenges that confronted them in the preceding year.
It also said it has put government on notice about its desire to agitate for pay rise for workers as a result of devaluation of the Naira.
In a statement, President and Secretary of TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal, the TUC commended workers for their bravely and doggedness.
“We have put the government on notice that following the devaluation we are going to ask for wage increase to cushion its effect on workers’ plight”, TUC said, adding “your bravery, doggedness and loyalty to the project Nigeria in the face of the gross abuse of human rights, insecurity, terrorism, arson, dislodgment and chaotic situation is an eloquent testimony to the fact that our lives are not in the hands of the government nor the Brettonwood institutions and their “perfect” policies. Truly, in saner environments you all really deserve a national award!
“The congress feels at this time that it is important it calls government’s attention to a number of issues plaguing employers and employees relationship to ensure a friendly working environment this year.
“First and foremost is the impunity of politicians and mismanagement of the fortunes of the oil and gas sector. Congress laments the way and manner our politicians go about their politicking.
“What we could read on the wall can best be described as “I must get there no matter whose ox is gored”, which is an aberration. They use power and money because they lack the required ideas to transform the country and win them to the people. What is predominant today is government use of states coercive power; especially the police and resort to use of touts and idle youths to molest political opposition and journalists. In the 1970s, we had political parties with manifestoes.
“The likes of Awos, Ziks and Tafawa Balewas’ of this world chronicled what they planned to do and how they planned to achieve them. But what do we have today? We are wiser now!”, it said, adding that Nigerian workers are determined to make their votes count.
On the recent drop in the price of crude, the TUC called on government to direct appropriate agency to immediately adjust the prices of petroleum products downwards to ameliorate the suffering of the Nigerian masses.
