Labour Seeks Representation in Govt Agencies

Trade Union Congressof Nigeria (TUC), has demanded the inclusion of the Congress into the boards of various governmental agencies and parastatals in accordance with the relevant agreements and statutes.

President General of the Congress, Comrade Peter Esele, who canvassed the union’s position in Abuja recently wondered why the labour centre has been deliberately excluded from the boards of government parastatals and agencies despite the provision of the law and protocols establishing them.

Esele also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to integrate the two labour centres in the country into all the processes ofgovernment so that workers and people’s interests could be articulated and protected at every level.

This, he said, will make governance more people oriented and less prone to fissures and crisis.

Among the organisations that Congresss was seeking adequate representation were Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MNILS); National Pension Commission; Salaries and Wages Commission; National Labour Advisory Council; National Directorate of Employment; National Housing Fund; National Council on Privatisation;and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“TUC demands that we be included in the boards of the various governmental agencies and parastatals where we are currently not represented in accordance with the relevant agreements and statutes. We do not understand why we have deliberately been excluded from the Boards of these organisations and Agencies despite the provision of the Law and Protocols establishing them,” Esele stated.

The TUC President also urged government to expedite action in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which he said will promote growth and efficiency in the oil sector as well as meet the aspirations of the citizenry.

source : Thisday