Afimag.com –
The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is set to implement the agreements with major trade unions, aimed at preventing future strikes, foster positive labour relations, and ensure friendly working environment for workers.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during a meeting with the leaderships of Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Congress of University Academics, CONUA, in Abuja on January 16, 2024.
Onyejeocha stressed the need for government’s commitment in implementing such agreements with the organized unions for public interest.
The Minister assured the union that government is doing everything possible to ensure that agreements with trade Unions materialized.
According to her, the government is elated with the plight of the trade unions, and to keep the channels of communication open.
She said, “I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35, 000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding would be paid within a short period of time.”
She maintained that new national minimum wage is being addressed as the government would ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.
On his part, President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended the Minister for her intervention, and expressed the relevance of building trust and mutual understanding between the government and the union.
He lauded the government for some of the major steps taken so far, specifically for fulfilling up to 80% of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and urged the government the fulfill the remaining 20% of that agreement.
Earlier, in the meeting with the leadership of CONUA, the Minister said the government was willing to work with unions and address their concerns satisfactorily.
CONUA Chairman, Niyi Sunmonu, who raises some issues that required government quick implementation, expressed optimism for a strike-free future with continued government understanding and commitment.