The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State chapter on Thursday inaugurated a 12-man labour/civil society situation room to protect workers’ jobs and wages amidst the COVID-19 economic threat.
The NLC chairman in the state, Jerry Nnubia while inaugurating the body at the workers’ secretariat in Awka, said the team would assist in negotiating with the government on how best to gradually and systematically open up the economy for business and production.
He said the room would serve as an engine room for information dissemination and sensitisation of workers and citizens on COVID-19 reality, prevalence, prevention and containment measures.
He said, “The room will protect jobs, wages and means of livelihood of Nigerians and serve as a thinktank to liaise and advise government on the strategy going forward.
“To embark on advocacy and social dialogue with government and private sector employers to promote public health and employment/income protection for workers.
“It will also partner with all relevant stake holders in the state in order to enable it achieve its set objectives.”
Assuring a feedback relationship between the team and workers, workers’ organisations, government and employers in the private sector, Nnubia appealled to all trade unions, public spirited organizations and individuals including the press, to utilize the opportunities the situation room would offer.
Members of team were drawn from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Trade Union Congress, Civil Society Organisation, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigerian Medical Associate, amongst others.
