COVID-19: NLC vows to resist plots to stop, reduce workers’ salaries …says it’s illogical, illegal

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, has vowed to resist any plot to stop or deduct workers’ salaries especially at this trying times saying that such action would be both illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

Addressing Journalists in Abuja at an event to commemorate the the 2020 International Workers Memorial Workers’ Day, Wabba said employers of labour ought to show solidarity considering the sacrifice of workers at the face of COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring wage protection, income support and social inclusion at these trying times.

While noting that workers are not commodities to be taken, trampled, and tossed aside, he warned that industrial crisis is imminent if the issue is not addressed as all its affiliate unions and state councils have been mandated to resist any salary deduction on the account of Covid-19. 

“In reciprocation of the enormous sacrifice made by workers, we urge employers of labour to show solidarity with the sacrifice of our workers and people by ensuring wage protection, income support and social inclusion at these trying times. 

“This is not the time to stop or deduct from workers’ salaries. Such an action would be both illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

We have asked our affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of Covid-19. 

“We reassure our workers that our priority in these trying times remains the cautious, gradual, evidence-led and smart restart of the economy so that our workers can go back to work.

We are also completely committed to the recovery of lost jobs, protection of wages, support for income and livelihood and improvement of Nigeria’s social safety net.

“Finally, as we prepare to restart our economy, we call on the leadership of our industrial unions and state councils to continue working with the different cadres of workers’ leadership in the states and unions to ensure that health and safety facilities and guidelines such as running water, soaps, hand sanitizers, use of protective masks and social distancing are made available and enforced at different workplaces.”

As part of smart measures to restart the economy, Wabba called on government to intensify COVID-19 testing (build at least a test centre in each state), contact tracing, public fumigation, and robust public health education.

Disclosing the theme of this year’s event,  “Stop the Pandemic at Work” Wabba said the theme was significant coming at the epoch of the global fight against the novel corona virus disease otherwise known as Covid-19. 

While noting that the contribution of front line workers especially healthcare workers has become the only buffer between deaths in thousands and deaths in millions, the NLC President said that daily healthcare workers courageously dare the stare of death in selfless service to rescue the lives of others. 

“On a day like this, we salute the uncommon love, faith, courage, and sacrifice by frontline workers who have given more than what the call of duty demands to give hope to humanity.

We will forever remain indebted to thousands of our healthcare workers, transport workers, utility employees, journalists and even workers in the informal sector who have continued to show up at their duty posts despite the threat of death, dearth of working tools and paucity of gratitude. 

“We condole with the families of workers who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against Covid-19. We assure you that their labours will not be in vain. Their unquantifiable sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Speaking further, the NLC President said given the current lockdown and in line with global realities, this year’s May Day will be observed in low key, adding that a number of symbolic events have been earmarked including solidarity visits and gestures to front line workers.

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“We will find innovative ways to ensure that all Nigerian workers receive our 2020 May Day Message. We encourage Nigerian workers not to hesitate to contact the National Secretariat of the NLC in the event of any Covid-19 related work place infraction, injustice, negligence and gender-based violence. 

“While we look ahead with hope that this pandemic will soon pass, let us remain vigilant. For now, please stay home. Please stay safe. Happy 2020 May Day in Advance!” Said Wabba