NLC declares support for National Conference

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday declared support for the convocation of a national conference in the country.
This was contained in a communique read by the NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, at the end of the union’s National Executive Council meeting held in Kaduna State.
Umar said that the congress would actively participate if the conference was geared towards a higher quality of life for the majority of Nigerians and addresses the political and socio-economic problems bedevilling the country.
“We believe that the dialogue is for the purpose of strengthening the bonds that hold us together as well as strengthening our sovereignty and enhance productivity, and improve the security situation in the country,” he said.
He said that a conference of this nature should be deep, practical, convincing and capable of changing the destiny of the country for the better.
Omar urged employers of labour to desist from employing casual workers or face the wrath of the NLC.
“We will henceforth lead our affiliate unions against any employer identified to be engaged in these unwholesome practice by employing all known trade union actions until such employer retraces its steps,” Omar said.
He said that the NEC-in-Session observed that there was a resurgence of casualisation of workers in the public and private sectors across the country.
Omar said: “This unholy practice induces slave labour, prostitution, psychological trauma and the violation of the rights of these workers and does not in any way stimulate productivity .
“What employers of labour are trying to do is take undue advantage of hapless applicants or workers.
“Exploiting the weak defences of this category of people is not only morally reprehensible but defies logic.”