A union leader, Mr Babatunde Olatunji, has urged the Federal Government to create local policies that would improve the economy and lives of citizens.
Olatunji, President, National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) made the call at the opening of its 31st annual industrial relations seminar in Ekiti on Monday.
The theme of the seminar is,”Social Dialogue as a Vehicle for Promoting Decent Work and Industrial Harmony.”
He said that the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government had impacted on manufacturers and citizens, especially workers.
He said manufacturers found it difficult to operate at optimal capacity due to high cost of diesel, gas, multiple taxes and difficult in accessing foreign exchange.
According to him, it is time to revive the refineries, road networks, improve electricity supply as well as iron and steel sector which is key to economic growth.
”Insecurity should be tackled, multiple taxation, rent and charges should be regulated to allow manufacturing companies survive and promote Gross Domestic Products in Nigeria,” he said.
He said that economic issues in the nation were affecting industrial relations as they constituted threat to peaceful co-existence between employees and employers.
”One of the effects is job losses arising from factory closure and redundancy.
“Some management have devised strange practices such as outsourcing and contract staffing, which are odd to normal employment practices,” he said.
The NUCFRLANMPE leader further called on the management of companies in Nigeria to enforce decent work agenda for employees to increase productivity and grow the economy.
He pointed out that decent work agenda had remained a continuous campaign for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 1999, because it promote the rights of workers, social protection and social dialogue.
In his solidarity message, Mr Femi Oke, Executive Secretary, Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation, said that social dialogue was key for economic and social cohesion as well as good governance.
Oke advised the State and Federal Governments to improve on the practice of social dialogue to reduce incessant unrest and improve work productivity.
Also, Mrs Grace Adeyeye, Ekiti Controller of Labour and Employment, expressed hope that the seminar would empower the talent of participants and transform their abilities with knowledge of ILO goals for decent work.
She added that the way to transform a society depended on productive thinking and viable action of stakeholders at all levels.
