From: Madu Ezenoha, Enugu
The National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) Thursday called for expeditious conclusion and release of new minimum wage in Nigeria.
National President of the union, Mr Amechi Asugwuni, stressed the need for the Federal Government to expedite action in fixing new national wage for workers in order to assuage the suffering of workers as a result of inflation occasioned by recession.
He spoke in Enugu during the 5th State Quadrennial Delegates Conference of Enugu/ Anambra/ Ebonyi Council.
“We believe this will go a long way to ameliorate the current harsh effects of the economic realities on Nigerian workers,” he said.
Asugwuni also lamented the increasing casualisation of employment and job loss within the industry.
He blamed the situation on lack of government policies to address the situation.
Asugwuni, who was represented by Mr Akinwande Oladipopo, said that the current situation was the most challenging to most Nigerian workers and their families.
He said that the unstable economic development in the country had heightened the situation as well as made a new National Minimum Wage most imperative.
“Workers are under a precarious condition under limited contract duration, sub- contracting and social insecurity.
“We have also noted that some employers work hard to further fragment and weaken strong unions and this we shall continually resist,” he said.
The national president hailed efforts by the Federal Government to navigate through the harsh period as well as strengthen institutions in the country.
He said that efforts by the government to secure the country from insurgents were mostly appreciated, adding that the union strongly believed in one united Nigeria.
“However, the union calls on the government to urgently address the underlying factors that led to the agitations in different parts of the country.
“We also use this opportunity to call on employers of labour in construction and wood sector to uphold quality standard in their job delivery,” he said.
Asugwuni appealed to relevant agencies of government to strengthen their oversight functions and supervisory role to ensure that quality specifications were not compromised.
In a valedictory speech, the out-gone chairman of the council, Mr Godwin Anikwe commended members of the union in the council for making his tenure eventful.
Anikwe said that the strides made during his administration would not have been possible without the good followership his tenure enjoyed.
The council elected Mr. Edema Edward as its new chairman.
The theme of the conference was “Economic Woes: What strategies for Nigeria and Trade Union”.
