By Fidelis Ugbomeh
Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation Dr Kayode Opeifa has said that the two in-house labour unions of the Corporation have agreed to cancel plans to embark on strike over workers welfare.
According to him, the labour leaders passed the resolution after a meeting with management of the corporation recently where all their grievances were tabled for discussion.
Opeifa who described the maiden meeting with the workers’ leaders as “productive with mutual understanding of all issues raised,” noted that while some matters raised by the unions were assigned for further discussion at directorate level, others; such as the medical personnel allowance, were instantly resolved.
He said: “The unions have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with the management and provide all necessary support to ensure that train services operate at maximum efficiency, contributing to the growth of rail services in Nigeria as well as reduce the prices of goods and services to achieve Mr. President’s mandate.”
While expressing happiness over outcome of the meeting he assured that the management is committed to the welfare of the workers by ensuring that their work as well as living conditions would be adequately catered for under his leadership.
Opeifa, assured that the NRC management would continue to foster greater collaboration with the unions for purpose of promoting industrial harmony.
Earlier President General, Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR) led by Comrade Innocent Ajiji, lauded Opeifa for his frankness.
He appreciated the willingness of the new helmsman to listen attentively to their grievances adding that the in- will hold tenaciously to the promises extracted from the managing director during the meeting.
Corroborating President, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Railway Corporation (SSANUR) Comrade Marcel Okeke, said the decision to rein in the workers was informed by the human rights pedigree of the new managing director and his transparency during the meeting.
According to Okeke, the union leaders were enamoured by the fact that the managing director was once a comrade, adding that they have no doubt that under him, railway workers, would enjoy a new deal and a new lease of life.
Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured that under him, the NRC management would continue to foster greater collaboration with the unions for the purpose of promoting industrial harmony.