The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, over his alleged involvement in the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). In a strongly worded letter titled “We no longer have confidence in you,” dated October 23, 2023, the NLC accused Lalong of violating labor laws, the constitution, and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, who signed the letter, also questioned Lalong’s integrity and competence in overseeing the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The NLC emphasized that it could not stand idly by while the nation’s industrial relations climate, which should be the Ministry’s primary focus, is desecrated and defiled.
The NLC’s letter expressed disappointment with Lalong’s recent statements and actions related to the NURTW’s leadership crisis. It specifically criticized his advice to a group allegedly sponsored by the state and accompanied by the police to disrupt the NURTW and attempt to seize its leadership through unauthorized Delegates’ Conferences. The NLC deemed this advice as unfortunate and potentially detrimental to industrial harmony.
The NLC also raised concerns about the apparent political influence on an industrial relations matter and questioned Lalong’s professionalism, neutrality, and commitment to justice. It called for Lalong to step back from the situation, allowing democratically elected leaders to manage the NURTW in accordance with its constitution and national standards.
The NLC concluded by warning that it would take action if Lalong continued to defy the law, the constitution, ILO standards, and established industrial relations practices. It called for a return to honesty, transparency, and respect for trade union matters.
The conflict between the NLC and the Minister of Labour and Employment highlights the challenges in managing labor relations in Nigeria and the need for impartiality and adherence to established procedures.
Source: [Vanguard]
