The United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC) has rejected the plan by the kogi state government to pay the workers in percentage as a result of the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement to mark Workers’Day the Congress described the planned move as unacceptable,adding that it would be resisted by the ULC in the spirit of solidarity.
It said despite the global pandemic and other societal disconnect, its center,l remained united, focused, vibrant, and strong.
It said its membership strength and affiliates had continued to swell by the day, assuring members that “together and in solidarity, we shall rise from the ashes of the moment, and remain more internally stronger and externally more coherent and effective.”
On the economy of the state, ULC stressed the need for the state government to diversify its economy, especially in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the dwindling of the state allocation from the centre.
“We as ULC, urge the state government to look inward and begin mining work of all the mineral deposits in the state.”
The move, the congress said would increase the internally generated revenue accruing to the state and create “more jobs to the army of unemployed youths roaming the streets of the state and beyond.”
On security, the congress commended the state government in its fight against insecurity but urged it to do more to ensure a total rid of the state of all vices.
Commenting on the last governorship election in the state, ULC condemned the behaviour of some political gladiators during the exercise, especially the use of thugs, noting that the development had reduced election to war.
“We are alarmed at the recent development in our polity, especially as it concerns the behaviour of our political actors in the recently conducted state governorship and other elections in the state.
On the welfare of pensioners, the congress called on the state government to address the issue of our pensioners in the state, “especially as we battle the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
‘We commend the state government and corporate organizations, including individuals that have made effort in providing pilliative to the vulnerable in the society.
“The Congress wishes to bring to the attention of the state government that, the pensioners are the most vulnerable group of people in the state, as it ofcourse,peopled with old men and women.
“These people have become infirm as a result of age and can no longer feed themselves.
“ULC wishes to suggest that such donations and cash transfer be channelled to this group so as to create succour for them.
Duaglobalnews recalls that ULC came into being in 1978, following a merger of four different organisations: Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC), Labour Unity Front (LUF), United Labour Congress (ULC) and Nigeria Workers Council (NWC).
The move followed democratic reforms in the country, where some of the anti-union regulations were abolished in January 1999.
