Austerity measures: labour moves against retrenchment of workers

A statement jointly signed by ASCSN President Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal said any attempt by government to sack workers or reduce their salaries in the name of austerity measures will amount to a declaration of war on Nigerian workers and would be resisted by organised labour and her […]

A statement jointly signed by ASCSN President Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal said any attempt by government to sack workers or reduce their salaries in the name of austerity measures will amount to a declaration of war on Nigerian workers and would be resisted by organised labour and her allies.
“When the economy boomed, the political office holders were freeloading as if there was no tomorrow while most Nigerian workers live below $2 per day.  During that same period, workers called for better pay package but were rebuffed by the ruling elite.  It was enjoyment galore for those in government while helpless and hapless workers roasted as if they were not stakeholders in the system.
“Indeed, as at today, the meagre N18, 000 monthly minimum wage approved in 2011 by the Federal Government has not been fully implemented by some state governments and as such it will be the height of insensitivity for any government to contemplate sacking civil servants or reducing their pay in the name of austerity measures,” the union stated.