From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated its willingness to support the construction sector, for the development of the country.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, stated this at the unveiling of Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) ultra-modern secretariat and public presentation of two books on health and safety, yesterday in Abuja.
He also said that the government was doing a lot to ensure that casualised workers got better pay.
Dingyadi commended CCESSA for its building stating that it would go a long way in improving engineering services in the country and serve as a good example for other associations to copy.
“We have a lot of workers in the construction industry. But this is also the industry where minimum wage is an issue. Even at the discussion of the last minimum wage, the TUC representatives were not considered that much,” he said.
On his part, the president, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, protested against prolonged casualisation of workers, adding that the Congress would push for collective bargaining agreement.
He said: “You also have contract staff and casual workers there. We work to earn better pay, right? So if these contract workers, or you call them casual workers, have the opportunity to be able to negotiate collective bargaining agreements and they have it in place, their lives will be better.
“So, some of the affiliates have done it, and I think CCESSA is also pushing in that regard.”
In addition, national president, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), Ayodeji Adeyemo, said “the milestone marks a significant achievement in the history of our association and is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members.”
He said this achievement was a reflection of the dedication of members and support of various employers and commitment of past and present leaders of the association who have worked to bring the vision to life.
He urged members to continue striving for excellence, innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in construction and civil engineering and not to forget minding their health whilst at it.