MAY DAY: Merchant Navy praises workers; demands decent work, secure jobs, living wages.
MAY DAY: Merchant Navy praises workers; demands decent work, secure jobs, living wages.
Segun Oladipupo
The National President of Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, (NMNOWTSSA) Chief Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo has called on the federal government to protect the rights of Nigerian workers especially the seafarers.
He made the call in his May Day message made available to our correspondent where he congratulated the workers on the occasion of the Workers’ day celebration.
.According to him, the contributions of the workers to the growth of Nigeria Economy cannot be underestimated. .
“Today, being Workers day celebration, I implore the government to protect the lives and properties of Nigerian workers which is their constitutional responsibility.”
He stated that the environment in which Nigeria workers finds themselves today is not palatable and that an average Nigeria worker do not sleep with (2) two eyes closed due to fear of the unknown such as banditry, kidnapping for ransom, killing and terrorists activities among other vices in the country.
The Merchant Navy boss stated that no State in Nigeria is safe for Nigerian workers hence many are now walking with panic.
“The constitutional provisions of Nigeria guaranteed the protection of the lives and properties of Nigerians hence the government need to stand up to its duty/responsibility
“This May Day, Nigeria workers stand united for a better tomorrow.
“As trade union, we are demanding decent work, secure jobs, fair/living wages, and bold climate action. At the same time, we are fighting back against the rising tide of authoritarianism, corporate greed, and far-right division
“This May Day, we want to send a clear message that we are organised, we are united, and we are determined to build a
brighter tomorrow. Across states, across industries, we stand together – fighting for democracy, climate justice, safe work, and dignity for all.
“Together, with our members around the Nation, we are not just resisting, we are building, we are fighting, and we will move the Nation to show our power in action.
Chief Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo who is a seasoned seafarer and number 1 Seafarer in Africa by ITF Standard, appeal to both the Federal, State and Local Government of Nigeria to synergize to salvage the security challenges facing Nigeria. We understand that security is everybody business but one has to take the lead. He stated that no where any meaningful development or economic growth will take place when there is uncertainty where workers homes and properties are burnt randomly.
He also highlighted the high inflation in the Country and stated that an average Nigerian worker cannot afford to buy a bag of Rice in the Market. Most of the State Governors have not implemented the #70,000.00 minimum wage and yet the Nigeria workers is faced with high cost of fuel after the subsidy removal, high cost of PHCN tariff, cost of transportation, High cost of food stuffs and living standard etc.
He urged the 3 tiers of Government to consider the plight of Nigeria Workers by providing an enabling working environment, devoid of panicking & good welfare packages and social security.
He however applauded Nigerian workers for their perseverance, doggedness, dedication to duty and steadfastness and request them to be united and be firm in under to achieve one common goal of a good working condition.
He also advised the employers of Labour to try as much to pay living wages to Nigeria workers because they are among the best in the world. He urged them to accept the spirit of tripartism and ensure that we have Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place in their respective Companies.
He pointed out that, if there’s nothing else to celebrate today, there’s need to celebrate our common unity and existence for many are unable to witness today.
Once again, happy workers Day to all Nigerian Workers. Together we shall make Nigeria a better Country.
Long live NMNOWTSSA!
Long live Nigeria workers!!
Long live TUC!!!
Long
live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!!
