The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 called for protection of jobs and wages as the world economy suffered the effect of Coronavirus pandemic, while also urging workers to reject wage deduction by employers.

In a statement by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, on the event of the commemoration of the 2020 International Workers Memorial Workers’ Day, the union said,

On this occasion, we make the point that labour is not a commodity to be taken, trampled, and tossed aside. Workers create wealth and demand a decent fraction of the reward of their efforts.

In reciprocation of the enormous sacrifice made by workers, we urge employers of labour to show solidarity with the sacrifice of our workers and people by ensuring wage protection, income support and social inclusion at these trying times.

This is not the time to stop or deduct from workers’ salaries. Such an action would be both illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements. We have asked our affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of Covid-19.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.