Kaduna – The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to implement its reconciliation committee’s report.
Mr Issa Aremu, the General Secretary of the union made the call at a news conference in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Aremu said the implementation of the reconciliation committee report will enhance the unity of the labour movement in Nigeria.
“Our union calls on NLC leaders at all levels to immediately implement the report of the NLC reconciliation committee.”
The committee was under the chairmanship of Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, a veteran unionist and former chairman of the NLC.
The committee was set up to resolve the avoidable crisis arising from the 11th Delegates Conference held last year.
“ As we point accusing fingers at bad governors and bad employers, the remaining three fingers point at us, who promote disunity among ourselves; rather than unite against common enemy.
“Textile Union is not happy that NLC could not have a common May Day in spite of the joint resolutions of all the parties to put the past behind.
“ I hereby call on labour unions affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to critically use the occasion of May Day to get united for a vibrant labour movement.“
Aremu noted that the current assault on the workforce such as delayed payment of salaries and diversion of bail-out funds were made possible “because comrades are not united in mass actions against bad employers and bad governance.
“It’s time we close ranks to ensure we have an NLC that commands the confidence of workers, trusted by the public, respected by the government and employers.”
The labour leader demanded speedy resolution of the problems confronting Nigerian workers and people.
“We need a united NLC to fight the issue of unpaid salaries, the struggle for improved minimum wage, the war against corruption, revival of industries and creation of employment, among others.
If we operate separately, we will be defeated separately; but if we are united, we shall overcome. We must stop comrade-on-comrade quarrels.”
Aremu described workers as the source of national wealth, who must be motivated, encouraged and dignified at all times. (NAN)
