FG pledges to obey agreements with organised labour

TFederal Government has promised to obey its agreements with organised labour.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the pledge during a courtesy call on the Trade Union Congress ( TUC), yesterday, in Abuja.

She said the visit was to maintain open communication, foster labour relations and ensure a friendly working environment for workers.

The minister acknowledged the plight of trade unions, adding that the government was willing to partner through open channels of communication. Onyejeocha said: “I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions.

“Government is working round the clock to ensure that agreements with trade unions are fulfilled. “Thank God that you have confirmed that the Federal Government has started paying the N35, 000 wage award.

“I can assure you that the payment is on course, and the outstanding will be paid within a short period of time.”

She hinted that President Bola Tinubu was focusing on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed. Onyejeocha added that the government would ensure that the committee starts work in earnest.

The minister went on: “I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating, that is why I came to remind y ou that we are working to make sure they ( agreements) are fulfilled. “If there is any that we cannot fulfil now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.” She assured the TUC leadership of the government’s continued readiness to listen to them, as well as partner with them for the greater good of the people. The minister commended them for having faith in the government.

Earlier, TUC president, Festus Osifo, lauded the minister for her timely and thoughtful visit.

He said the gesture would promote trust and mutual understanding between the government and the union.

He appreciated the current administration for some of the major steps taken so far, especially for fulfilling up to 80 per cent of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria ( RTEAN).

The TUC boss, however, urged the government to fulfil the remaining 20 per cent of the pact.

“We are not a union that waits for the government to fail in order to hold it to ransom. That is why we keep engaging,” Osifo clarified.

Similarly, during a meeting with the leadership of Congress of University Academics ( CONUA), Onyejeocha assured them of government’s willingness to work with unions.

The minister said that the government was ready to address their concerns satisfactorily.

Also, CONUA chairman, Niyi Sunmonu, explained some of the challenges of the union.

He, therefore, urged government to expedite implementation.

Sunmonu assured of a strike- free future with continued government’s understanding and commitment.