WORKERS' Day, that is May Day celebration took off in 1890 in a handful of countries on a low key, four years after the 1886 massacre,and today being embraced the world over as much more than a memorial carnival for some slain foreign workers. May 1 has therefore been set aside as a day that both employers and employees recognise and acknowledge the right of workers to a fair deal in our modern, industrial society. In view of the benefits derived by the Australian workers; the Americans in 1886 decided that May should be the day of universal work stoppage. On this day, 200,000 workers left their work and demanded the eight-hour day. Later, police and legal harassment prevented the workers for many years from repeating this demonstration. In 1888, they renewed their decision and resolved that the next celebration would be May 1, 1890. It is appropriate to say that workers had it tough in the early years of the American Industrial Revolution (AIR) as widely taught in schools. 16-hour work days in dangerous conditions, child labour, exploitation, and accidents were common; then, magically everything became better in a civilised twentieth century way. The forces behind the change are left ambiguous at best and the radical labour movement isn't discussed; too difficult for young minds, perhaps. Consequently, the vision of masses of militant workers' parading the streets of cities, towns and villages on May Day is lost in the revision of history. From records available, celebration of Workers' Day in Nigeria commenced during the Shagari's democratic administration, that is, on May 1, 1981. This, I think and believe, was in recognition of Shehu Shagari's administration significant contributions, which Nigerian workers' have achieved, and will continue to mar the economic progress of our beloved country. One can say that Nigerian workers' have also had their fair share of the struggle for enthronement of workers' rights as well as enhanced package for workers'. In spite of these, it is true to say the road to the current situation of workers in Nigeria has been long, rough and tortuous. Thanks to President Jonathan's administration for the recent increase in minimum wage to N18,000.00 in the civil/public service. Nigerians do hope that the percentage increase should be worked out for other sectors whether serving or retired. That is, those not in the unified salary structure. The most interesting thing is that Unions have vast power, and the right to strike has been one of organised labour's strongest weapons in achieving that power. Once a union wins a bona fide election, the recognition of that union as a bargaining agent for workers' is guaranteed under the law. In Nigeria, many trade unions and workers' association like Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Congress for Free Trade Union (CFTU), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG). Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), among others, will hold their celebration rallies at different locations.Writing on the workers' dilemma in The Pointer newspaper of May 4, 2009 p.8, its Chairman, Editorial Board, Mr Godfrey Ubaka pointed out that the Nigerian workers even fared reasonably well under the colonial authorities when the shelter was part of his condition of service, his remuneration was sure and he had the right to express his opinion on the unfolding matter of the day. Continuing, he said that the fortune of the Nigerian workers actually plummeted rather sharply in the long years of military mal-administration of the Nigerian state. The military, he went on, recognised the centrality of professionalism in the public service and the private sector. Finally, Mr Ubaka summarised by advising that the Nigerian workers should get more organised politically and be ready to play a key role in the determination of their future and destiny. He must insist on genuine electoral reforms. The path is usually full of challenges as already shown by the experiences of Obama, Mimiko, Oshiomole and the few other progressive committed to the rewriting of the political history of Nigeria. It is abundantly clear that Nigerian workers need each other to achieve more for this country, especially the civil/public service which is the engine room of any democratic structure. The Organised Private Sector (OPS) are also not left out in this regard. Whatever the case may be, Nigerian workers need to be empowered economically and their promotions especially in the public sector should follow approved guidelines not by looking at faces, especially on ethnic grounds or listen to damaging statements which have no foundation in reality. As we celebrate 2012 May Day, we should always think of our pensioners (retirees) who may be properly, genuinely, respectfully and humbly described as senior citizens and elder statesmen of the nation. A situation whereby the senior citizens stay for years without payment of their monthly stipends, having successfully and judiciously served the nation for years, is not only frustrating but killing. It is on record that many of them reached their early graves as a result of the inability of the various establishments to pay their stipends as and when due. Many could not receive their gratuities even before their death. In fact, many retirees in Nigeria today are walking corpses begging for death to come for no fault of theirs in our streets due to poor corrupt management style and lack of leadership skills in many establishments. Available records show that workers are still fighting against unprogressive practices in both the public and private sectors. Nigerian workers have had to struggle against casualisation, exploitative contract employment, especially for expatriates and out-sourcing for jobs even when competent hands are available within. There are some organisations where employers deny employees their right to belong to trade unions, they work under sub-human conditions and eventually they are paid starvation rather than living wages and often, they receive such wages irregularly. Furthermore, the working class and employers of labour must diligently and diplomatically pursue their official transactions, obligations, and civil responsibilities assiduously within the confines of our precise laws or statutes. Remaining committed, diligent, transparent and accommodating to excel and satisfy the relevant publics. Finally, it is appropriate for Nigerian workers' to prepare and rededicate themselves towards national reconstruction and growth, which current attitudes of graft, corruption, lack of loyalty to employers and willful sabotage of their responsibilities do not encourage. It implies that workers must be partners in the task of creating wealth. This, no doubt, will usher in an era of industrial peace and harmony, improved work ethics and higher productivity on the part of Nigerian workers.Soeze can be reached via charlessoeze@yahoo.ca
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