As workers all over the world are celebrating the annual International Workers’ Day, their counterparts in Oyo State have called for a review of minimum wage to cope with the present high cost of living.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins made the call at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, venue of the May Day celebration on Monday.
This year’s edition was witnessed by the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, his wife, Tamunominini and Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal, as well as other government functionaries.
While congratulating the governor on his electoral victory at the just concluded general elections, Comrade Martins noted that Makinde’s victory was a reflection of the mind of the people of Oyo State.
“I want to use this platform to once again congratulate His Excellency for a well deserving second term. His victory speaks volume and reflects the mind of the general populace. I pray for wisdom for His Excellency to provide the exceptional leadership that this state needs at this time.”
Comrade Martins emphasized that workers in Oyo State are the engine of government that serve as bedrock for good governance and societal welfare, thereby deserve good working conditions and appropriate wages.
“Workers are the key driver of any industry and organization, and they provide the indirect bedrock for good governance and societal welfare. Even despite the global challenge and economic interference, which was fueled by heightened political tension among nations, the need to protect the rights and privileges of this key driver who form the foundation of societal growth is inevitable. It is imperative for them to be provided with a friendly working environment that guarantees safety, a well appropriate living wage, access to good medical services and other social issues that boost the confidence of the ordinary worker in the workplace.
“It has been affirmed and well established that all the above play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and efficiency in the workplace which is a catalyst for the fulfillment of the over objectives of the organisation and the larger society.”
Listing the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kayode Martins appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to revamp a wages and welfare structure that will reflect the challenging times and moments the people are going through in order for them to be able to successfully mitigate the negative effect caused by economic challenges of the nation.
“I, therefore, pray His Excellency to please building on already existing solid foundation he had established to:
“1. Revamp and restructure the health scheme in order for it to be proactive and adequately meet the health needs and challenges of the Oyo State workforce.
“2. A wages and welfare structure that reflects the challenging times and moments the people are going through in order for them to be able to successfully mitigate the negative effect caused by economic challenges of the nation.
“3. It is not a gainsaying that the general working environment is rapidly changing in a pace that requires up-skill, innovation, and enhanced professionalism in the workplace therefore training and seminars should be adequately promoted to meet these changes,” Martins said.
The Chairman of the NLC in Oyo State also called on government and private employers of labour to give room for cordial dialogue especially on issues affecting the conditions of service and remuneration.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
