Energy Crisis: Unions demand relief for workers

The Organised Private Sector Unions (OPSU), an umbrella body of affiliate unions in the private sector of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has demanded urgent measures to cushion the impact of the worsening energy crisis on workers.

The unions also resolved to intensify efforts to organise workers in companies resisting unionisation and open discussions with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) on ways to improve workers’ welfare and working conditions.

The resolutions were contained in a communique signed by OPSU National Chairman, Tim Walama, and National Secretary, Emeka Cyril, at the end of the organisation’s meeting held at Labour House, Abuja.

The unions called for engagement with NECA to establish a mechanism for cushioning the effects of the emerging energy crisis, which they said had imposed severe hardship on private-sector workers.

The communique stated that the sector would sustain its membership drive through what it described as radical organising to build stronger and more sustainable trade unions.

It added that OPSU would engage NECA to explore an agreement that would facilitate the unionisation of workers in companies that had resisted such efforts.

The communique read: “To begin a robust engagement with NECA towards discussing the setting up of a mechanism for cushioning the negative impacts of the emerging energy crisis that has foisted deep afflictions on workers in the private sector.”

The unions also pledged to deepen collaboration among member organisations to strengthen recruitment, expand membership and establish a unified voice for effective engagement with social partners.

According to the communique, the objective is to secure better working conditions for Nigerian workers in the private sector.

Meanwhile, OPSU expressed support for the leadership of the NLC, led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, describing him as a product of the organised private-sector union movement.

The organisation said it was proud of the contributions of the NLC leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the labour centre.

“The Organised Private Sector-in-session unanimously resolved and passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Congress led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and all his NAC members and urge them to continue with the effective leadership they have been providing for the working people in Nigeria,” the communique added.