Minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige has given reason why the Federal Government was yet to register United Labour Congress (ULC) as a new labour centre.
ULC broke out from the current structure of the Nigeria Labour Congress (ULC) in 2015 following an irreconcilable disagreement arising from the conduct of a presidential election that saw Joe Ajaero squared up against Ayuba Wabba, president of the NLC, who won the controversial election.
Ngige, who received a delegation of ULC led by its president, Joe Ajaero, on official visit, in Abuja, said ULC, was yet to meet a key aspect of the Trade Union Act to make its registration possible.
According to the minister, who however, commended the resilience of the ULC, the government has a responsibility to uphold the provisions of section 40 of the Constitution on freedom of association, including unionisation. But the registration of the ULC must be done within the confines of the law.
“We’re not saying ULC won’t be registered. Section 35 of the Trade Union Act is very clear on the requirements and process for the registration of new labour centre.”
Ngige said although I agreed with the leadership of the ULC that some of the labour laws needed amendment, but until they are amended, they remain the extant labour.
He said: “I am excited that you said that your number is now 37 affiliates. The last time you made application, it was 16. It means you have grown and the only thing you need now is to conform to that aspect of the law; section 35 of the Trade Union Act that requires you to have 12 brand new unions.”
Also speaking, minister of state for labour and employment, Festus Keyamo said unions coming together to form new labour centre was not a breach of the law but must follow due process. According to him, the law requires twelve brand new unions in forming a new labour centre and not changing of nomenclature by the federating unions.
He contended that most of our laws especially labour laws were obsolete and needed a review. He requested the union to send amendment bill to the National Assembly through the ministry.
President of the ULC, Joe Ajaero called for the liberalisation of labour movements in the country to make it easy to register new unions as well as form new labour centres, regretting the non-registration of the ULC after years of application.
JOSHUA BASSEY
