LABOUR MATTERS/IMO

 The Organized Labour wants the government and other employers of labour to pay more attention to the welfare of workers to enable them contribute more meaningfully in the development of the nation.
The National President Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba made the call in Owerri during a meeting with the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha on Thursday (14-01-2015).
Correspondent Chinazo Ilechukwu reports that the meeting was attended by the leadership of entire organized labour in the country
During the meeting, Comrade Wabba said workers had strategic role to play in the development of every society, hence issues bothering on their welfare must be accorded priority.
He said efforts must be made towards enhancing quality and accessible healthcare while education should also be made more affordable to every Nigerian.
Comrade Wabba pldged the support of the organised labour in the on-going efforts against corruption in the country.
While commending the Imo State Government on its achievements, especially in the education and agricultural sectors, the labour leader appealed to the Governor not to retrench or reduce salaries of workers in the state.
“I want to passionately plead with you to reconsider those issues in the contest of the fact that in cases of discipline there is enough provision in public service rule and many states have applied it. Where somebody is found wanting we cannot cover up but also that worker has to be attended to, in terms of his welfare but there is enough provision in the public service rule to allow also that person have fair hearing.”
Responding, Governor Okorocha said his administration would no longer tolerate truancy and corrupt practices as any worker caught would be shown the way out.
“They have to make amendments and take the work serious (sic). Before you leave, tell them if I go to Secretariat and I don’t see you on seat, you are suspended. If I go to school I don’t see any teacher there,  before you tell me anything, you are suspended … because Imo has to survive. Outside this I have no issue. If other states can survive, I can survive.”