As NLC Squares Up with TUC Over N70,000 Transport Allowance….
Most times when they speak they do For decades, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have presented themselves as two pillars of one house – Organised Labour.
Most times when they speak they do so with one voice and governments are compelled to listen.
But when they disagree, it’s government that gains to the disadvantage of workers, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo .
Recently the two labour centres – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) disagreed over a seemingly simple issue which is should workers take N70,000 as a transport allowance for six months, or should they insist that the money be built permanently into their salaries? What began as a difference in negotiating tactics has grown into a public rift, with statements, counter-statements and affiliate unions taking sides. Now, veteran labour leaders have stepped in, warning that the quarrel, if left unchecked, could undermine the unity, solidarity and strength that took decades to build. Observers of the unfolding crisis of confidence within organised Labour family of the opinion that it will augur well for the workers whose interest are better protected when both labour centres join hands to confront the government and other employers of labour.
MSEApp News is publishing an original rewrite of this tip for readers, based on reporting associated with THISDAY.