The Ebonyi chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said it is committed to the continuous struggle for workers’ welfare needs.
Mr Chidi Igboji, the Ebonyi TUC Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abakaliki that the union isn’t silent but focused on protecting workers’ rights.
Igboji said workers’ welfare remains their top priority, especially those in the private and informal sectors. The chairman also said Congress would continue to stand against the unfair treatment of workers.
On proposed plans to increase the salary of political office holders, Igboji said it was not good enough when workers are still trying to overcome the current economic difficulties.
“The proposed upward review of salaries for political office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is not good enough, especially given the present economic difficulties faced by the citizens.
“I said it is not good enough, because these are the people who usually kick against the workers whenever they propose a minimum wage increase.
“It’s too bad; the politicians have chosen to be less concerned about the welfare of the workers.
“They are the ones who usually discourage the president and governors from implementing of the minimum wage.
“So, for them to accept that their own allowances and salaries should be increased shows that they are a very selfish set of people.
“The politicians have refused to understand that workers remain the engine of the economy. The workers guide and protect the economy,” he stated.
Igboji, therefore, urged governments at all levels to consider workers as assets and partners in development rather than liabilities.
“We wish to remind our political leaders that the security and welfare of the people should be the chief priority of any government’s policy.
“We resolve to continue to push for the prioritization of the welfare and security of all citizens, especially workers of all classes,” the chairman stated.
