The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday said building the capacity of workers through training would help contribute to the development of the nation.

NLC president Joe Ajaero stated this at the 31st Annual Industrial Relations Seminar of the Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr Ajaero, represented by the NLC chair in Ekiti, Kolapo Olatunde, said workers would not be able to face “forces of retrogression” without requisite capacity.

The NLC boss described the union as a giant within the trade union family and commended the leadership for organising the seminar for members.

Mr Ajaero pointed out that the theme of the seminar was essential as employers needed to create equitable working conditions for workers.

The NLC president commended the leadership of NUCFRLANMPE for ensuring that members had good welfare package. According to him, this is important because NUCFRLANMPE members are mostly affected in workplace abuse of right and privileges.

”The rate of occupational accident and exposure to hazards occurs more in the chemical and footwear companies. I have seen amputation of various kinds, mangling of body parts and gruesome deaths that reminds us of the Ikorodu disaster in Lagos,” Mr Ajaero said.

The union leader mentioned that decent work should be accompanied with fair wages, safe environment, equal opportunities and the recognition of human rights at every level of the workforce.

(NAN)