NLC can negotiate alone, Ajaero replies TUC president

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has affirmed that the union possesses the authority to negotiate labor matters independently, challenging the assertion made by his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, that both labor organizations must collaborate in such discussions. Ajaero contended that the TUC could participate in negotiations alongside the NLC but could not commence them autonomously, citing the principle established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) regarding most workers' representatives.

During a segment on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ajaero addressed the disagreement between the two labor bodies concerning the N70,000 transport allowance approved by the Federal Government for workers nationwide for a six-month period. Ajaero emphasized that the TUC was obligated to submit its proposals to the NLC for further submission when engaging with the ILO.

He also noted that the TUC had previously submitted its negotiation proposals to the ILO conference before retracting them and presenting them to the NLC, as per the ILO's guidelines. Moreover, Ajaero argued that the Ministry of Labour and other labor authorities would not engage with the TUC independently on worker welfare negotiations, stating that the NLC determined the extent of the TUC's participation.

When questioned about the TUC's significant presence in the federal civil service, Ajaero referred to the Trade Union Amendment Act 2005 and the 1999 Constitution, asserting that workers have the right to select their unions. He highlighted that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended, grants every Nigerian worker the liberty to join any trade union, political, or religious institution of their choice.

Ajaero also contested Osifo's claim about the number of workers represented by the TUC, pointing out that only one of the eight union bodies in the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council belongs to the TUC, while the remaining seven are associated with the NLC. Furthermore, he clarified that the TUC-affiliated union within the joint body had relinquished its powers to the council.

Regarding the N70,000 transport allowance agreement, Ajaero explained that the NLC had issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government before negotiations resumed, leading to the approval of the allowance. Ajaero stressed that minimum wage demands could only be presented after the government established a negotiation committee, which involved labor leaders, government officials, and employers in consultations.