relations between workers and employers. These rights are codified in the National and International labour and employment laws in general.
The call to action being made by the theme of this year’s celebration, “People First”, is therefore to address some of these crucial rights for workers.
In Anambra, the Solution government of Professor Chukwuma has shown willingness to address some of them with the ten percent increment in worker’s salary, massive recruitment of teachers and health workers, payment of pension and gratuities to retirees. However, a litany of others still needs to be addressed including a Labour House, as Anambra State appears to be the only state without a Labour House. Again, there is need for implementation of the new minimum wage immediately it is agreed upon at the national level. There is also need to scrap the contributory pension scheme and put an end to the deductions to such purpose as well as probe Ndi Olu Microfinance Bank. In addition, there should be training and retraining of workers; conduct of regular promotion exercises, recruitment of non-teaching staff in primary, post-primary and tertiary institutions in the state; implementation of new retirement age for teachers; recruitment of new workers in local government system; and the approval of the hundred percent consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS) and the implementation of reviewed hazard allowance for Nurses.
It is also worthy to ask the solution Governor to, in his records of firsts, create a Ministry of Labour and Productivity and appoint a Commissioner or Special Adviser to head the ministry. In the interim, a Special Adviser on Labour Matters or Relations is crucial as this will enable state government interface better with Labour unions in the state as well as showcase its numerous achievements.
Despite these challenges, there is still enough reasons to celebrate. For the first time in the history of Anambra state, State chapter of the NLC outlined a weeklong of activities to mark the May Day in grand style.
The activities began last week Monday April 22, 2024 with Sports Competition among affiliate unions of the Congress at Paul University, Awka. An international press conference was also held on the same day at the same venue. On Thursday April 25, the NLC visited major custodial centres in the state. It was followed by two-day medical outreach for workers by the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency and Health Lecture by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr Simeon Onyemachi at Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT State Secretariat in Awka. It also featured security talk by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderemi Adeoye.
On Sunday, April 28, 2024 was the grand finale of the sports competition and award ceremony at Awka City stadium. Then yesterday, Tuesday April 30, 2024, the NLC visited SabMiller PLC Onitsha and had a suya night later in Awka.
Today, May 1, the D-day, has the usual tradition of a Match Past at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. Medals and cups presentation to winners at the event followed by other activities .
Congratulations to NLC Anambra State Chapter.
Solidarity! Forever!
Written by COMR. HUMPHREY NWAFOR
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