Arise Television presenter, Rufai Oseni, has berated the presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Festus Osifo, over their disagreement on staff’ welfare and management of the labour motion.
Oseni described both union leaders as unworthy of being referred to as labour leaders, accusing them of abandoning their duty to defend Nigerian staff amid worsening financial hardship.
The Arise Television Morning Show anchor made the remarks on Tuesday whereas reacting to the general public disagreement between Ajaero and Osifo.
He lamented that organised labour had misplaced the unity, coherence and advocacy requirements established by earlier leaders, together with former Nigeria Labour Congress president, Peter Esele.
According to Oseni, the labour motion has grow to be politicised and divided, leaving Nigerian staff with out ample illustration at a time when their buying energy and disposable revenue have continued to say no.
He stated, “For Osifo and Ajaero, both of you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself, and that’s why you see that Labour has been dead in this administration.”
Oseni recalled that labour leaders previously have been extra united and coordinated in confronting governments over insurance policies affecting staff.
He argued that the present management had failed to carry the Federal Government accountable for guarantees made to staff.
“Wages cannot really take you anywhere. A lot has happened as regards disposable income of the people, but labour has just been quiet.
“This authorities failed on many guarantees made to labour, and labour has simply been quiet about it,” he said.
The latest exchange between Ajaero and Osifo followed disagreements over the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance approved for public sector workers for six months.
The dispute intensified after the TUC rejected the arrangement, insisting that the NLC could not negotiate on behalf of its members without its participation.
Osifo described the agreement as an aberration, arguing that both labour centres must be involved in negotiations affecting their respective affiliates.
However, Ajaero maintained that the NLC had the authority to negotiate independently based on its numerical strength and the principle of majority representation recognised by the International Labour Organisation, ILO.
