Labour leaders wade into NULGE crisis in Kaduna

The three major labour unions, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), are to work together to resolve the internal leadership wrangling in the Kaduna State chapter of NULGE. The leaders of the unions, who spoke at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of NULGE, […]

The three major labour unions, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), are to work together to resolve the internal leadership wrangling in the Kaduna State chapter of NULGE.

The leaders of the unions, who spoke at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of NULGE, Kaduna State chapter, agreed that with the recent judgment by the National Industrial Court and the election of new state executives, the matter has been put to rest.

In his speech, National President of NULGE Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel blamed interference by some government functionaries in the state as being responsible for the problem, saying some members felt they were above the union.

He also identified the accumulated check-off dues of the union, which is being withheld unilaterally, as another issue, noting that the money is now generating interest.

Comrade Ibrahim also denounced the ongoing moves by Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, allegedly to hijack the union under the disguise of reconciliation, adding that any decision that undermined the dignity, independence and constitution of the union would be resisted.

Also speaking, Chairman of NLC, Kaduna State chapter, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, said both NULGE and NLC have a huge challenge, adding that the unions would work with security agencies in the state to maintain peace and industrial harmony.

He expressed concern that some local governments in the state are currently finding it difficult to generate enough resources to ensure regular payment of workers’ salaries, a situation which, he said, is disturbing and should be of great concern to the unions.

The state Chairman of TUC, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, expressed support to any measure that would guarantee industrial peace in the state and advised members of any union that have grievances to use the normal channel in seeking redress.

Earlier, the newly elected state President of NULGE, Comrade Rayyanu Isyaku Turunku, pledged that the new leadership would introduce measures that would further improve the welfare of members.