TUC calls for reforms ahead of Workers Day

By Chukwuma Umeorah

As workers across the nation eagerly anticipate  May 1st, 2024, the secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council, Aladetan Abiodun has called for collective action towards a Nigeria that works for all citizens, not just the privileged few.

Embracing hope amid economic uncertainty, Abiodun in a chat with Daily Sun, noted that workers across the nation are anticipating positive news as regards the announcement of a new minimum wage as the existing one signed into law on 18th April 2019, has expired.

He added that a conscientious and constructive dialogue and engagement with the authorities are crucial in steering the nation towards a path of prosperity and equity. “As we embark on this collective journey towards a better Nigeria, let us prioritise the interests of the people above personal agenda. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards building a society where every citizen can thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” he said.

While supporting the efforts of the present government, Abiodun stressed that it is equally essential to courageously advocate “for policies that prioritise the well-being of the populace and foster inclusive growth.”

He emphasized that the trajectory of governmental economic policies, both past and present, has consistently marginalized workers, leaving them with minimal disposable income. This, according to him, has resulted in a stark reality where affording basic necessities, such as food, has become an uphill task, while other essentials have been relegated to the realm of luxury.

The consequence of such policies he said, “has been the collapse of countless households, as insufficient workers’ income fails to sustain even the most fundamental aspects of livelihood.”

He added, “The erosion of self-confidence among workers is palpable, reflecting a societal landscape that disproportionately favours the affluent while disenfranchising the working class. The middle class, once a cornerstone of societal stability, has all but disappeared, leaving behind a stark dichotomy between the privileged political elite and the marginalized working populace.”