INTRODUCTION
•The Special Delegates’ Conference of the Nigeria Labour Conference (NLC) held in Lagos on Thursday 19th March, 2015 at Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo, Lagos.
•The Conference was attended by over 300 delegates and observers drawn from 23 affiliates of the NLC based on equal representation of 10 delegates per industrial union.
•The special delegates’ conference was necessitated by the glaring serial failure of the Secretariat of the Congress under Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson to organise free, fair and credible elections at the rescheduled 11th National Delegates Conference of NLC.
ELECTION OF NEW NATIONAL OFFICERS OF NLC
•The highpoint of the Special Delegates’ Conference was the election of new national officers of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The officers elected are:
Comrade Joe Ajaero – NUEE- – President
Comrade Igwe Achese – NUPENG – Deputy President
Comrade Issa Aremu,mni – NUTGWN – Deputy President
Comrade Kadiri Kazeem – SEWUN – Vice President
Comrade Yahaya Yashi – NUCSSASW- Vice President
Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi – NUSDE – Vice President
Comrade Khaleel Ibrahim – NULGE – Treasurer
Comrade Danjuma Musa – NUBIFIE – Financial Secretary
Comrade Kelechi Otu – MEPROSSAN – Trustee
Comrade Okoro R.B – NUR – Auditor
Comrade Ndubuaku Theophilus –ASURI – Auditor
Comrade Amina Danesi – ASSIBIFIE – Ex–Officio
Comrade Comfort Oko – NAAT – Ex–Officio
COMMUNIQUE
•After extensive deliberations, the Special Delegates’ Conference resolved as follows:
APPRECIATION
•Expressed appreciation to delegates, labour veterans, civil society allies and members of the press for the support and solidarity during the special delegates’ conference.
COMMITTED TO THE UNITY OF NLC
•Reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) despite the challenges with respect to elections during the reconvened delegates’ conference.
•Expressed deep concerns that the powers and influence of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in terms of the defense of workers’ rights and the poor and the oppressed in our country has been at its lowest level in the last four years under the failed leadership of Comrade Abdulwahed Omar.
•Noted that NLC under Abdulwahed Omar lost focus, direction, discipline, sense of duty and commitment to the cause of the working people as manifested in the following areas;
– increased numbers of job losses without union protection;
– Increased casual/contract employment even in the presence of ineffectual and prostrate anti-casualisation committee led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba.
– Failure to ensure the full implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage and general lack of interest on critical issues affecting workers such as recurring problem of delayed payments of salaries;
– Failure to render services to Nigerian Workers and affiliates with regards to Health and Safety, organising, socio welfare and protection and making pronouncements on wide range of socio-political issues in the country.
COLLAPSE OF MORAL AUTHORITY
•Observed that NLC Leadership under Abdulwahed Omar failed not only on core labour/workers issues but also lost its basic moral compass completely as manifested in the case of KRISTON LALLY Housing scam in which over Three Billion Naira mopped up from hapless working and retired citizens of Nigeria was unaccounted for, leaving the subscribers disillusioned and utterly frustrated.
•Further observed that Nigeria workers and the affiliates of NLC had looked forward to the great opportunity that the National Delegates’ Conference offers for change and revival. And that was the spirit that informed our expectations and indeed the Nigeria working people’s preparation towards the botched delegate conference.
ORGANIZE, DO NOT AGONIZE
•Called on all affiliates and members not to be disillusioned or continue to lament about failed leadership and failed conference but to stand up collectively to retrieve NLC from the jackals and restore the cherished traditions and core values of the labour movement. This is what we stand for and this is what should unite all of us.
RESTORING CORE VALUES OF THE NLC
•The Conference acknowledged that the challenges are enormous and resolved to put all energies and resources together into rebuilding the NLC as a vibrant labour centre that is driven by the aspirations of the working people and propelled by the support and solidarity of affiliates, the public, the civil society organizations and the international working class movement.
•Noted that it is time to restore the belief and confidence of the working people in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the bastion of hope for the masses and as the strong voice for the voiceless people.
•Therefore called on all affiliates to remain focused and committed to the lofty but attainable goal of restoring and reclaiming all lost grounds. The labour movement should and must be responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of not only members/affiliates but must always be ready to provide alternative socio-political and economic policy framework that will help to galvanize increased productivity and shared prosperity for the mass of our people.
•Reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in our constitution and labour laws and explicitly supported by ILO conventions 87 and 98.
•Pledged to assert the right of the workers to join the union and ensure that no employer obstructs and deny Nigerian workers their inalienable rights.
CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORK (PRECARIOUS WORK)
•Expressed serious worries about the increasing incidents of casual and contract work.
•Noted that this is an area in which the NLC had suffered serious set back in recent years under the leadership of Ayuba Wabba as Chairman of anti-casualization committee.
•Observed that for four (4) years, Comrade Ayuba Wabba led committee on anti-casualisation only paid lip services to the plight of millions of casual and contract workers who are on daily basis subjected to prolong hours of work, poor pay, unsafe working environment, job insecurity and harassment.
•Resolved as a matter of urgency to issue red card to all employers who are not willing to employ on the basis of labour laws and in line with international best practices.
•Directed the setting up of Anti-casualisation committee with the mandate to identify and picket workplaces where workers are engaged without regards to the law and international best practices on employment.
•Noted that the fight against casual, contract and other forms of unfair labour practices will be hinged on determination to at all times stand to defend the rights of workers.
•Pledged its commitment and determination to provide articulate, responsive and vibrant leadership in addressing this and other core labour issues previously neglected. These include:
– Wages/Collective Bargaining Issue;
– International Solidarity
– Workers Education
– Gender Issues
– Health and Safety Issues
– Policy Engagement
– Relationship with Civil Society Organisations. To work with Civil Society Organisations to ensure that programmes and policies of Government address the welfare needs of workers and the mass of our people.
NON PAYMENT OF SALARIES
•Observed that many states as well as some Federal Agencies have refused to pay salaries for many months, some up to seven (7) months.
•Noted that delayed payment of salaries is wage theft and grossly unacceptable.
•Mandated the new leadership of NLC to compel every employer whether public or private to pay workers salaries as and when due.
MINIMUM WAGE
•Observed that the five year tenure of the national minimum wage will come to an end later this year.
•Consequently Special Delegates’ Conference in session directs the immediate setting up of a committee to develop proposals on minimum wage and prepare for negotiation with the Federal Government.
STATE OF THE NATION
2015 GENERAL ELECTION
•The Special Conference-in-Session urges workers NOT to sell their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
•Calls on workers and members to come out in their millions to vote during the elections and to wait after voting to guard their votes.
•Commends INEC for the level of preparation for the 2015 General elections.
•Calls on all Nigerians to cooperate with INEC to ensure credible and hitch-free elections.
•Finally the Special Conference in Session mandates the leadership to immediately set up labour election monitoring team for all the national, legislative and state elections.
ECONOMY
•The Special Delegates’ Conference in Session noted that the devaluation of the Naira has impacted negatively on local manufacturing because many factories depended on imported inputs. It has also raised the inflation rate and undermines the disposable income of workers.
•The Conference in Session therefore reaffirmed that the only way to get out of poverty and ensure decent work is to reindustrialize the economy and further calls for immediate and irrevocable industrialization campaign.
WAR AGAINST INSURGENCY
•Acknowledged the remarkable success being recorded by the Nigerian Military in the renewed war against insurgency in parts of the country and the reported recapture of major towns in states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States by the Nigerian troops.
•Encouraged by the reassurance from President Goodluck Jonathan that the military will recapture all Nigerian territories being controlled by the violent sect in no distant time.
•Calls on all Nigerians to support the efforts of the Nigeria Military and the joint regional force to rid Nigeria in particular and neighbouring West African countries of insurgency.
•Demanded for a day of solidarity action by all affiliates in support of the gallant actions of the military in the fight against insurgency in some part of the country.
NATIONAL CONFAB
•The Special Conference in Session commended the Federal Executive Council on the decision for the immediate implementation of the National Conference report. Further the Conference in Session calls for the immediate implementation of all recommendations in respect of labour issues. These issues as contained in the Confab report are attached as appendix.
LABOUR PARTY
•The Special Conference in Session reaffirms the position of the National Executive Council of NLC to reclaim and reposition the Labour Party. Consequently, we affirm support for the interim leadership of Comrade Salisu Mohammed and Comrade Lawson Osagie. We urge them to work with all affiliates to mobilize our members for the labour party.
ATTENDANCE OF COMRADE ABDULWAHED OMAR IN NIPSS
•The Conference in Session observed with disappointment the report of Comrade Abdulwahed Omar’s presence/attendance in NIPSS without proper and due approval/nomination by any organ of the Congress. It was therefore resolved that his presence and attendance at NIPSS is fraudulent and illegal and that he should be withdrawn and replaced without further delay as his participation will not serve the Congress any good.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
•The Special Conference in Session carefully xrayed the involvement of Nigeria Labour Congress in International Labour Relations and Solidarity support to other International Labour Movement and concluded that the performance of the Congress in this regard was below average in the last four years. The International work of the NLC is part of the broader fight of the NLC for justice and recognition of the rights of individuals, organizations and nation states to freedom, social and economic justice.
•The Congress in Session therefore reaffirms the commitment of Nigeria Labour Congress to solidarize with all global Labour movements, the Government and People of Cuba and the Sharawi Republic.
KRISTON LALLY HOUSING SCAM
•The Conference in Session painfully noted that one major sore issue that has dragged the name of NLC in the mud and has become a source of national and international embarrassment to the NLC is the KRISTON LALLY Housing scam. It is pathetic and shameful that workers organization will dubiously collect money from workers and pensioners under the guise of providing housing for them. Yet, one year after, houses were not provided and Contributors were not refunded. This is clearly shameful and unacceptable. In line with the discussion with Veterans to investigate and bring to open all issues relating to this scandal.
•We assure that we will do all that is necessary to bring to the open all those involved in the scam.
•Further, Special Conference in Session endorsed the decision of the Veterans mandating Comrade Hassan Sunmonu to Chair the Panel of inquiry to ensure that those involved are brought to justice and refund Subscribers hard earned money.
•Finally, the Conference in Session stressed that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Today, we have taken an historical step on the long hard road to restoring the core values of our movement as a means to building democratic, strong, responsive and vibrant Nigeria Labour Congress. This is a task that must be done and together we can make it happen.
FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!
SIGNED
Segun T. Esan
For: GENERAL SECRETARY
UNIONS IN ATTENDANCE
1. National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE)
2. National Union of Petroleum & National Gas (NUPENG)
3. National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN)
4. National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE)
5. Metal Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (MEPROSSAN)
6. National Union of Post and Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE)
7. National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPROW)
8. National Union of Shop and Distributive Employees (NUSDE)
9. Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretariat Stenographic Workers
10. Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW)
11. Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR)
12. Steel& Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN)
13. Iron & Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSAN)
14. Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution (ASSBIFI)
15. Nigeria Welders and Filters Association
16. Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions
17. Lottery Workers Union
18. Agric and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria
APPENDIX
ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR IN THE 2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE REPORT
1. Unemployment: To tackle the challenge of unemployment, Conference resolved that a. A Labour and Employment Exchange or Job Centres should be established in major cities throughout the Federation; b. It should be mandatory for all employers of labour to provide First Aid Corridors in their workplaces; c. Revival and development of domestic industries through: i. Enactment of fundamental policies to provide incentives to and protect domestic industries; ii. Promotion of added value to local raw materials; iii. Fixing of the power sector to enable industries thrive; and iv. Encouragement and protection of farmers to produce raw materials for industry. This can be done through guaranteed markets for agricultural produce. d. Skills Acquisition Development i. There should be an overhaul of existing skills acquisition programmes to make them more functional and effective through the revival of Vocational and Technical Education/schools; ii. The ITF should be strengthened to provide effective linkage between Educational Institutions and Industries. Adequate financial support should be made to the ITF to support the establishment of Skill acquisition centres across the country; and iii. There should be funding of skills acquisition projects through revolving loans for take-off. e. Disability and Unemployment i. percent of employment places in public and private sectors of the economy should be reserved 93 for persons with disabilities and ensure that they are given work that matches their qualifications; ii. ILO Convention No. 159 should be ratified and implemented by developing a National Policy on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure entry to the labour market; and iii. Reasonable accommodation should be provided in work places according to Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which Nigeria had signed and ratified. f. Casualization of Labour: All multi-national companies and government agencies that have employed casual workers for more than six months should be mandated to take immediate steps to convert the same to permanent employment.
2. Precarious Work and Vulnerable Workers a. b. Regulations guaranteeing casual workers permanent employment after working for six months, irrespective of the number of contracts making up the period should be enacted. c. Policies and laws which extend labour and social protection to domestic workers should be put in place urgently. Such laws should regulate working hours, pay, maternity protection and other conditions of work.
d. It shall be mandatory for all employers of domestic workers, who are between ages 18-25 to ensure they acquire Secondary education or vocational training;
e. The National Child Rights Act should be strengthened and made applicable even where states have not domesticated the Act; and 6 Minimum Wage a. There is the need to revive and strengthen the Labour Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Labour.
b.. The National Minimum Wage, as currently provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 should remain on the Exclusive Legislative List
and
All stakeholders, including state governments should avail themselves of the tripartite framework for determining the minimum wage to ensure ownership and acceptability.
7 Trade Union and Industrial Action
No attempt should be made to deny workers the right of unionisation. Strikes are legitimate instruments of enforcing workers rights and negotiations within the framework of collective bargaining; and
The Pan-National Character of Labour Unions which has played an important role in national development should not be compromised by balkanizing labour and trade unionism. Labour and unionism should continue to be on the Exclusive Legislative List.
8.Pension and Gratuity
The 2004 Pension Act should be amended to raise the minimum contribution of employers to 15% and clearly state the continuous existence of gratuity;
The constitutional provision for the periodic review of pensions should be adhered to;
Pension for those retired under the old pension system should be placed on first line charge; and Relevant legislation should be made to prescribe life imprisonment for those found to have stolen money meant for pensioners and public funds.
8 should be undertaken, so as to remove or amend provisions which impede workers’ welfare and hence productivity. Such laws and institutions include the Employee Compensation Act, the National Industrial Court, the Trade Union Act and the Industrial Arbitration Panel.
