Follow Us on Google
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEAWUN) has warned that failure by government and employers to implement negotiated agreements could trigger fresh industrial disputes and threaten industrial peace.
President-General of the union, Oyabugbe Sunday, gave the warning at SEAWUN’s 2026 Annual Industrial Relations Conference held at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The conference, themed, “Collective Bargaining, Strikes and the Quest for Industrial Peace in Nigeria,” examined challenges confronting labour relations, particularly the implementation of agreements reached through collective bargaining.
Oyabugbe said effective bargaining and sustained engagement among government, employers and workers remained critical to preventing disputes and maintaining industrial harmony.
“The theme reflects the importance of effective collective bargaining and constant engagement among government, employers and workers in addressing industrial disputes and promoting sustainable industrial peace,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the economic pressures confronting workers, citing inflation, rising transportation and food costs and declining purchasing power.
Oyabugbe disclosed that SEAWUN had negotiated a ₦40,000 increase in salaries and wages for workers under the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement and was preparing to negotiate additional palliatives with employers.
“The union is committed to improving the earnings and welfare of our members in the face of rising economic challenges and the increasing cost of living,” he said.
He said proposals for the palliatives had already been submitted to the Auto and Precision Employers Associations.
Oyabugbe also called for greater investment in productive sectors, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, education and human capital development to stimulate production, create jobs and strengthen local industries.
On retirement benefits, he said SEAWUN had secured a restructuring of gratuity arrangements for workers at Jubaili Bros Engineering Limited, with the parties agreeing that accrued gratuities be kept in an interest-yielding account.
The union, he added, had begun discussions with Cummins West Africa over its proposed sale of a majority stake to Alkan FZE, with emphasis on protecting jobs, accrued gratuities and other workers’ entitlements as well as continued recognition of the union after the ownership change.
Oyabugbe said SEAWUN also secured the right of previously excluded workers at Cobranet Limited to join the union following engagements with management and the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
On the 2027 general election, he urged workers to support candidates and programmes committed to economic development, workers’ welfare, job creation and industrial peace.
He also urged political parties and candidates to make workers’ welfare a major campaign issue.
“A stable political environment is essential for investment, economic growth and industrial harmony,” Oyabugbe said.
