Leaders of the various Workers unions have been advised against playing into the hands of politicians in order not to mortgage the welfare and respect of the Nigerian workforce.
This advice was given in Owerri on Saturday by Chief Fidel Onyeneke, a former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Imo state.
Chief Onyeneke observed with dismay that some labour leaders had become stogies to the government rather than impressing on the government to provide the neccesary facilities for the workers to carry out their duties under a conducive atmosphere.
He urged the union leaders not to compromise, but rather remain firm and lead the workers in accordance to stipulated labour laws and standards.
Chief Onyeneke regretted that the Nigerian workers had suffered much neglect and deprivation inspite of the crucial role of the workers as the lifewire of the society.
He urged government to come out with appropriate strategies that would restore the lost dignity and glory of the workers.
He also suggested the provision of affordable housing scheme and granting of car loans for the workers as a deliberate effort to give them a sense of belonging.
The former NUJ boss further called for immediate implementation of the minimum wage as well as prompt of salaries, pensions, gratuities and other allowances due to the workers.
He stated that the productivity of the average worker could be enhanced when the neccesary tool were at their disposal.Onyeneke however urged the workers to continue to live up to expectations in order to justify the confidence reposted in them.
