By Jeffery Ahonmisi
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies, SSASCGOC, has urged the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity to mandate government agencies to recognise the association as the exclusive negotiating body for senior staff.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the Third Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of the association held in Ibadan with the theme ssascgoc’s partnering role in strengthening government business, enhancing the workplace and sustaining the rule of law in Nigeria.
SSASCGOC also called on governments at all levels to enforce the Trade Union Act to ensure clarity of jurisdiction among labour unions.
The association further demanded the immediate settlement of the outstanding two-month wage awards, promotion arrears, and other entitlements owed to Nigerian workers.
In an address, the newly returned President-General of SSASCGOC,Mr Kayode Alakija, stressed that it is imperative for workers on Grade Level 7 and above to be registered as members of the association in line with civil service rules.
Mr Alakija, who was returned unopposed, also noted that it is lawful for some senior staff to decide not to join the association
He however enjoined members to continue supporting the union, assuring them that their welfare would always be prioritised.
In a remark, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammed Dingyadi, represented by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Rabiu Shuaibu, commended the association for the prompt organisation of its delegates’ conference, noting that failure to hold such conferences had hindered the growth of some unions.
Also speaking, the Guest Speaker, Kayode Aderemi, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta Branch, urged the association to continue building its capacity for effective intellectual engagement during negotiations and dialogue.
Edited by Taiwo Akinola
