Olabisi Adesina, a former Chairman, University of Ilorin branch of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU), has advised leaders of various unions in Nigeria to stop hobnobbing with the politicians.

Mrs Adesina gave the advice on Saturday in a paper she presented at a two-day workshop organised by NASU, Kwara Council, in Ilorin.

Speaking on the “Prospect and Challenges of Resources Management and Leadership Characters on the Growth of Industrial Union,” she said industrial unions in the country had been dominated by those with little or no interest in the plights of members.

She said that leaders of various unions were only interested in using their positions to gain political relevance and means of exploiting the workers.

“The interests of workers are not protected by the politicians, masquerading as labour leaders.

“Open fraternisation with political parties and politicians is working at cross purpose to the objectives of the union whenever their favoured candidates are in power,” she said.

Mrs Adesina explained that collective bargaining was trashed in the bin whenever their opposition or perceived political enemy wins an election.

“They will call for avoidable strikes, just to paralyse the activities of the state government.

“Very often, negotiations with employers, both at public and private sectors, failed due to such political leadership.

“The interest and welfare of the workers are very often ignored during negotiations, especially whenever they were promised juicy appointments in the ministries or when they are heavily induced financially,” she said.

The former union leader, therefore, called for sanctions against erring leaders, through a strong policy framework guiding operations of the unions.

(NAN)