The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has warned employers against sacking workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic without prerequisite social dialogue and clearance from the ministry
Ngige, in his May Day message to Nigerian workers, stated: “Employers will not be encouraged to disengage staff without prerequisite social dialogue and clearance from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.”
The minister said the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the mode of work globally.
“I call on employees in science, technology, and research sector of the economy to put on your thinking caps and join your colleagues throughout the world and produce cure and or vaccine for the COVID-19 for testing and other required processes and procedures,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria kicked against job cut by employers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TUC President Quadri Oleleye, asked the Federal Government to protect workers from “some uncharitable employers”, saying workers should not be made victims of COVID-19.”
He said: “COVID-19 has affected our lives in such a way that it’s as if the country is starting life de nouveau. To this end, we must together– government, employers and workers– give all to rejig our economy to avoid the looming acute recession.
“It has been brought to our knowledge that some employers are saying they cannot pay salaries for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. It’s evil and inhuman to come up with such a decision. This is the time individuals and organizations should show that workers are partners in progress.”
He also urged the Federal Government to reduce the prices of food and drugs for Nigerians and people who recovered from COVID19 in the country.
