The National Chairman of APGA, Bar Sly Ezeokenwa, advocates the best way to avoid labour union strikes in Nigeria.
In a press release by Hon Nduka Anyanwu, the Special Adviser to the APGA National Chairman, on media, says that the AGPA Chairman has proffered solutions to the many strikes the Nigeria Labour Union has embarked on.
You may recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart on Monday, June 3rd, 2024, shut down the economy of the Nigeria State following the indefinite strike.
He noted how most workers were prevented from gaining access to their workplaces and some staged a peaceful protest as well some stayed at home.
“Labour Unions in Nigeria commenced the strike after the government failed to meet its demand for a new minimum wage,” Ezeokenwa said.
According to the APGA National Chairman, some of the best ways to avoid labor union strikes in Nigeria are through Dialogue, Communication, Proactive Governance, Collaborative Problem Solving, Improved Working Conditions, and Regular Engagement.
Furthermore, he elaborated on the means to stop incessant strikes in Nigeria, in his opinion, the APGA National Chairman believes that this can be a guide to aiding the Presidency focus and deliver dividends of Democracy to the good people of Nigeria, he therefore suggests ways which includes :
Dialogue and Communication:
Bar Ezeokenwa, in his wisdom, advised the FG and organized labour to consider an open dialogue to enable them to address grievances and resolve issues peacefully. “He also advised the FG and organized labour to establish a dedicated platform for regular meetings between government representatives and labor union leaders. He said this will encourage opening a transparent discussion of issues concerning their demands. It will help to foster a culture of active listening and empathy to understand the perspectives of both parties. It will ensure timely response to union demands and concerns, avoiding prolonged silence or neglect”, he said.
Proactive Governance:
“On the need to address the welfare and needs of workers promptly, Ezeokenwa advised that FG should avoid the accumulation of grievances that can lead to strikes with such assertions not to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate into strikes. Also, they should conduct regular needs assessments and impact evaluations to identify areas requiring improvement and implement policies and programs that benefit workers, such as training and development opportunities. Finally, try to demonstrate a commitment to workers’ welfare and show that their interests are revalued”.
Collaborative Problem-Solving:
“The APGA Chairman urges FG to foster a culture of cooperation between government and labor unions to resolve disputes and find mutually beneficial solutions by establishing joint committees comprising government and labor union representatives.
He therefore encourages collective bargaining and mutual agreement on solutions which will help to foster a culture of compromise and flexibility, finding a middle ground when necessary. Also in celebrating successes and learning from setbacks, using them as opportunities for growth”, he urges
Improved Working Conditions:
“He noted that FG to ensure fair compensation, safe working environments, and adequate benefits for workers, this will reduce the likelihood of strikes. These could be by ensuring fair compensation, including regular salary payments and benefits. This will provide safe and healthy work environments, adhering to international standards. In the end, it will Offer opportunities for professional growth and development, Promoting work-life balance and supporting employees’ well-being”, Ezokenwa said.
Regular Engagement:
Ezeokenwa identified the role to be played if the government regularly engages with labor unions, which he said will help to understand their concerns and address them before they escalate into strikes such as the Monday, June 3rd, 2024, when labor shut down the economy of Nigeria. He advised FG to always schedule regular town hall meetings and feedback sessions with labor union. Encourage union leaders to engage with government officials frequently and use technology, such as online platforms, to facilitate communication and feedback. Ensure accessibility and inclusivity, involving all stakeholders in the engagement process. By adopting and implementing these measures, the government and labor unions can build trust, foster collaboration, and address issues proactively, reducing the likelihood of incessant strikes in Nigeria. This APGA National Chairman believes this would lead to labor union strikes being avoided and promoting industrial harmony and progress in Nigeria
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s labour unions suspended an indefinite strike for a week on Tuesday to continue talks with the government over a new minimum wage after reforms in the nation caused inflation to spike, worsening a cost of living crisis.
Unions and the government met late on Monday for talks where the government said it was open to a higher monthly minimum wage than the amount of 60,000 naira ($41.38) it had proposed. But a new amount is yet to be announced.
The unions had demanded a 16-fold rise in the minimum wage to 494,000 naira a month, from 30,000 naira.
“After an extraordinary … meeting today, it was decided that the ongoing strike be suspended for the next one week and we will continue negotiation with the government … on minimum wage,” the TUC president said.
Nigeria’s two biggest union federations, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), shut down the national grid and disrupted flights across the country on Monday as they began an indefinite strike over the government’s failure to agree a new minimum wage.
Hon. Nduka Anyanwu, SA-Media To Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Writes from Imo State.