Organised Labour in Anambra has called for the constitution of civil and judicial service commissions to handle workers’ promotions and other entitlements, which can only be approved by such commissions.

The leaders of the unions in the state, Humphrey Nwosu of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Chris Ogbonna of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made the request during the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration in Awka on Wednesday.

The unions also called for the establishment of a ministry of labour, saying they were dissatisfied with the non existence of the ministry in the state.

They also called for the appointment of a special adviser on labour matters in the state.

Other requests were the mass recruitment of staff to fill vacancies created by the mass retirement in the service as well as low-cost houses for workers.

In addition, it sought approval of the 100 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and implementation of the reviewed hazard allowance.

The unions said that there was an urgent need to meet the demands of workers in line with the theme of the workers’ day, “People First”.

“The theme is apt because the state of the economy in the country is so bad that salary earners cannot boast of having adequate meals or guaranteeing their livelihood.

“Putting people first is a business philosophy focused on prioritising employees by considering their needs and creating a positive work environment,” they noted.

The unions, however, commended Governor Charles Soludo for the developmental projects going on in the state.

Responding, Mr Soludo said that all the requests of the state workforce have been noted and assured that efforts to enhance workers’ welfare will be made.

Mr Soludo, represented by his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim, said that the government was providing a good welfare package for its workers through the provision of basic amenities such as roads, boreholes, and wealth creation, amongst others.

Mr Soludo said that the government had set up a committee to look into the core request of the unions, especially “NdiOlu Microfinance Bank, with regard to the recapitalisation of the Bank and deductions made from workers’ salaries from March 2021 to May 2021.

Dr Vincent Okikpa, former deputy national president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), described the unions as going backwards in their core duties.

Mr Okikpa said between 2002 and 2007, when he was in service, his commitment to union affairs was more selfless than what it is today.

He said that the present crop of labour leaders needed to gain knowledge on labour matters for collective bargaining.

Patrick Obianyo, a former NLC chairman in the state, advised the workers to be more intentional in their requests to the government.

“There is the need for workers and union leaders to be more coordinated in their request to government to enable workers to perform optimally,” he said.

Chris Onyeagba, former labour leader in the state, urged workers to be forceful and committed in doing their work as the production engine of the government.

He advised them to also support and stand by their leaders because, with a united voice, they would achieve every welfare due to them.

Assumpta Ilodibe, a member of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifery, commended the state government on its effort to uplift the hospitals in the state.

Ms Ilodibe appealed to the government to approve in-service training for nurses to meet with the current health needs of citizens.

She said that the nursing workforce had, over the years, been grossly depleted through retirement, deaths and brain drain and appealed for massive recruitment for effective and efficient healthcare of residents.

(NAN)