With the ravaging effects of flooding in selected areas in Anambra State, Nigeria. which have cost indigenes of the areas their farmlands, homes, livelihoods and even homes, the Nigeria Labour Congress Anambra Chapter has been invoked to demand a speedy increase in the minimum wage in the State at all levels.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day NLC Leadership Training Workshop themed “The Role of Labour In The Growth And Development of Nigerian Economy”, which was held in Awka, Anambra State, The State Council Chairperson, Comrade Chinwe Orizu urged the government to increase the minimum wage and address financial challenges.
Reiterating the hike in the cost of living and transportation, she expressed hope that the ongoing review of salaries and allowances by the Joint Negotiating Council of workers would be done quickly, and that the outcome would be a living wage.
“The economic situation has made it impossible for us workers to live. What we collect now as take homes can’t take us homes again. A bag of rice has risen to about N50,000. People are hungry. Some are underpaid, unemployed and underemployed. Poverty affects the workers’ mental being and output. Governments should address these challenges,”
“We are appealing to the federal, state and local governments and other employers to provide decent working environments to their workers. We also demand prompt promotion of workers and that the financial benefits accruing to that should come immediately. It is not fair for one to wait for months or years to be paid their financial benefits after promotions,” she said.
Comrade Chinwe Orizu also listed some of the urgent demands of the council which include; the provision of low-cost housing, effecting constant promotion of workers as and when due to serve as motivation for improved productivity, training and re-training of the workforce, including labour leaders on organisation management and leadership, among others.
She concluded by appraising Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. According to her, the Soludo administration is too young for any meaningful assessment but he has been committed to trying to put things well and paying salary earlier than most states, except that the remuneration is little.
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