NLC Decries Stoppage Of Workers’ Salaries, Pay Cuts

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged employers of labour to show solidarity by ensuring job protection for workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The NLC said it has asked its affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of COVID-19.

Labour noted this critical period of coronavirus pandemic was not the time for employers of labour to stop workers’ salaries or enforce pay cuts.

It noted that the stoppage of salaries or enforcement of pay cuts at this time would be illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, stated these at a press conference to mark the 2020 International Workers Memorial Workers’ Day in Abuja.

Wabba said: “In reciprocation of the enormous sacrifice made by workers, we urge employers of labour to show solidarity with the sacrifice of our workers and people by ensuring wage protection, income support and social inclusion at these trying times.

“This is not the time to stop or deduct from workers’ salaries. Such an action would be both illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

“We have asked our affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of COVID-19.

“We reassure our workers that our priority in these trying times remains the cautious, gradual, evidence-led and smart restart of the economy so that our workers can go back to work.

“We are also completely committed to the recovery of lost jobs, protection of wages, support for income and livelihood and improvement of Nigeria’s social safety net.”

Wabba asked Governors to follow the steps of the Federal Government by providing insurance cover and enhanced incentives for frontline health workers.

The NLC President commended Sokoto State government for leading the way in this regard.

NAN