“Guaranteed workers rights and privileges is crucial in protecting employees from exploitation” Comrade Okan
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation unit chapter has held its 2024 Annual Seminar with the theme: “Understanding Workers Rights and Privileges in the World of Work”.
While declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary, Common Service Office (CSO), Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, stated that a house divided against itself will not stand. He urged union members to always explore the option of dialogue and collective bargaining in addressing welfare issues concerning workers.
Represented by his Special Assistant (Technical) Mr. Oda Edwin Onda, said that the theme of the Seminar was appropriate considering the present challenges faced by Nigerian workers due to the spiral inflation globally. He however applauded the intervention of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for seeking to unveil a National Living Wage for Nigerian Workers in order to alleviate suffering and improve the standard of living of the people through his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
In a statement signed by M.A Ahmed, Director Communications, disclosed that the Special Guest/Speaker, National President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), who is also the 1st National Vice President Trade Union Congress, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, in his presentation, explored workers rights and privileges with a view to ensuring the protection of legal entitlements and benefits that accrue to all categories of employees in the world of work for smooth employer/employee relationship and enhanced productivity.
According to him, “for a system to work, there must be that symbiotic relationship between the Management and Union,” he added.
Comrade Okon stated that, workers rights, as recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO), significantly impacts the quality of life of employees, and these rights and privileges ensure fair wages, a safe workplace environment and protection against discrimination.
“Guaranteed workers rights and privileges is crucial in protecting employees from exploitation, in order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce,” he opined.
Comrade Tommy further stated that, to reposition the Federal Civil Service to become Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centered (EPIC), motivation and welfare of Federal Civil Servants especially in the areas of housing, training, health insurance, group life assurance, pensions, gratuity, rewards and peaceful resolution of industrial disputes is crucial to effectively support government in achieving its developmental agenda.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman ASCSN OHCSF Unit, Comrade Slyvester Ameh affirmed that the union is very concerned about the welfare and well-being of its members and will not relent in ensuring harmonious working relationship between the management and union of the Office in the overall interest of the staff.
