COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2-DAY WORKSHOP ON THE 21^ST CENTURY LABOUR LEADERSHIP, GROWTH, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES ORGANISED BY THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC) LAGOS STATE COUNCIL HELD AT THE PRESKEN HOTEL, ALLEN IKEJA LAGOS ON WEDNESDAY 25^TH AND THURSDAY 27^TH SEPTEMBER 2019

In line with its fundamental objectives of ensuring that Labour Leaders understand their role and responsibilities at a deeper level as a way of renewing their involvement in both the former and informal sector of the economy in Nigerian Public Space, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Lagos State Council held a Two-Day Workshop on the 21^st Century Labour Leadership, Growth, Opportunities & Challenges on Wednesday 25^th & Thursday 26^th September,2019 at Presken Hotel, Allen,  Ikeja Lagos. The well-attended Seminar, after exhaustive deliberations, resolved on the following;

1.  The training noted that Trade Unions and their leadership must henceforth be strategic in thinking and proactive in their approach to doing things in view of the enormous challenges confronting Trade Unions in the Industrial Relations arena if they are to regain the trust of their members and remain relevant in the scheme of things.

• The Seminar observed that the time has come for Union Leaders to as a matter of necessity choose negotiation as a way of resolving conflicts that are negotiable from those that are not because negotiation offers a more positive outcome and reduction of possible lose.

• The Workshop further noted the importance for union leaders and government/management to always negotiate in good faith aimed at creating a courteous and constructive interaction that would promote an agreement which reflects the interest of parties and enhance their relationship. Hence the workshop called on the Federal Government to negotiate in good faith with Labour Leaders so as to ensure that the lingering issue over the Consequential Adjustment of the New Minimum Wage is resolved in the interest of workers.

• The training frowned at the attitude of management and government over the issue of occupational and health safety in Lagos State due to the high risk that characterizes the world of work in the state. Therefore, it urged the Inspectorate Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment and other relevant agencies of government to wake up to their responsibilities. Thereafter, the training called for more budgetary allocation to the respective agencies of Government so as to enable them perform their responsibilities without any hitches.

• The workshop expressed its displeasure over the failure of the government to meet the pension expectations of retirees in the State because it was in a bid to move beyond this tragic situation that the Pension Reforms Act of 2004 was enacted. It is indeed very disturbing that despite the clear provisions of the Pension Act, retirees still faced a lot of challenges trying to access their entitlements as and when due. This no doubt has brought tears and agony to retirees and their families. In view of this, the workshop called on the Lagos State Government to prioritize the issue of pensions and to ensure it is paid as and when due.

• Also, the training wants the Lagos State Government to make a Policy Pronouncement that will guarantee retirees in Lagos State Free access to Government Medical Facilities and Transport System within Lagos. This social safety net programme is long overdue in a city like Lagos State. 

• The workshop equally noted the challenges of housing to workers in Lagos State in view of its centrality to human existence because it has become increasingly glaring that most workers in the state live in dehumanizing conditions due to their inability to access accommodation/ housing at reasonable cost. Rent in city like Lagos is about 60% of an average workers disposable income which is far higher than the 20-30% recommended by the United Nations. This gory picture, in terms of shelter cost in Lagos has eliminated the low-income earners from the housing market. Therefore, the workshop call on the State Government on need to provide low cost housing for workers because the current Rent -to-Own Scheme of the Government is far above the reach of workers.

SIGNED

Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo                              Comrade Abiodun Aladetan

Chairman                                                       Secretary