Mrs. Olaoluwa Ajibiye, Director, Training and Social Protection Department, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies has advised industrial unions and governments to embrace peaceful resolution of disputes.
Ajiboye, who gave the advice in Ilorin on Wednesday, said such resolution would promote industrial relationship between governments and organized labour.
She spoke while presenting a paper at a workshop organized by Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Kwara Council.
The paper was entitled: “The Place of Union Leaders in Dynamic Workplace Post COVID-19 Experience “.
She said that embarking on industrial actions should be the last resort after all avenues had been explored.
The director advised government at all levels to implement agreements they entered into with labour unions to avoid industrial conflicts.
She further said that union leaders should adopt dynamic strategies that would enhance protection of workers ‘rights.
“The negotiated benefits of union members, more often than not, results in better welfare and working conditions for the larger workers population,” she said.
On COVID-19 impact on labour, Ajiboye said that millions of jobs were affected due to the pandemic which impacted livelihood.
She said that in many countries, the pandemic had been used as a tactic to eliminate trade unions, by laying off leaders and members.
“In some countries, employers are using short-term contracts and increasing day labour contracts. Desperate workers are returning to work but with insufficient Personal Protective Equipment,” she said.
The labour expert observed that trade union’s response to the pandemic in Nigeria resulted to strike in the health, aviation and hospitality sector for safe and secure work environment.
She advised union leaders to prepare for post COVID-19 experience, while intensifying efforts to secure better experience for members in present situations.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Isah Mohammed, Chairman, NASU Kwara Council said that workshops and other training programmes should be organised for union members on COVID-19 as it relates to industrial issues. (NAN)
