May Day: We won’t accept deduction, stoppage of workers salaries -NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned employers against the stoppage and deduction of workers salaries in the country on the account of the COVID-19 pandemic. NLC also directed its affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction by employers of labour. The NLC said this is not the time to stop or deduct […]

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned employers against the stoppage and deduction of workers salaries in the country on the account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NLC also directed its affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction by employers of labour.

The NLC said this is not the time to stop or deduct workers salaries.

It also referred to such an action as illogical and illegal, adding that workers salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreement.

In a statement signed by the NLC president, comrade Ayuba Wabba, on Tuesday, to commemorate the 2020 International Workers’ Day, said: “We have asked our affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of COVID-19.

The NLC stressed that: “We reassure our workers that our priority in these trying times remains the cautious, gradual, evidence-led and smart restart of the economy so that our workers can go back to work.”

The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Stop the Pandemic at Work.”

“We are also completely committed to the recovery of lost jobs, protection of wages, support for income and livelihood and improvement of Nigeria’s social safety net,” Wabba said.

Meanwhile, labour has resolved that, given the current lockdown and in line with global realities, this year’s May Day will be observed in low key.

Wabba further explained that: “We will find innovative ways to ensure that all Nigerian workers receive our 2020 May Day Message.

“We encourage Nigerian workers not to hesitate to contact the National Secretariat of the NLC in the event of any COVID-19 related work place infraction, injustice, negligence and gender-based violence.

“While we look ahead with hope that this pandemic will soon pass, let us remain vigilant. For now, please stay home. Please stay safe.”

Many private organisations in the country have sent their staff on leave without pay even has they cut salaries on the account of COVID-19 lockdown in most parts of the country.

The management of International Aviation College Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, announced the implementation of between 10-42 per cent pay cut for all members of staff across the entire organization for the month of April 2020.

The pay cut, however, exempts staff on or below N80,000.00 per month, it was learnt.

Just like every other aviation company, the College confirmed it had also been hit by the impact of COVID-19, losing 100 per cent of its revenue.

Arik Air, one of the airlines in the country, had implemented 80 per cent cut for staff while 90 per cent of the staff were go on compulsory furlough without pay.