May Day Celebration: Organised Labour Pledges Renewed Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
By MaryAnn Chukwuma
Organised Labour in Anambra State has pledged renewed commitment to the protection and advancement of workers’ welfare, assuring civil servants that their voices remain heard at the highest levels of government.
This pledge was contained in a welcome address delivered by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Anambra State Council, Sir Humphrey Nwafor on behalf of the Organised Labour at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held on Friday, May 1, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
“We wish to reassure all civil servants and workers across the State that Organised Labour remains steadfast, active, and fully committed to the protection and advancement of workers’ welfare,” the Labour leader stated.
“Your voices are heard, your concerns are tabled, and your interests are consistently represented at the highest levels of government.” he assured.
The NLC/TUC said May Day is a day for reflection, renewed advocacy, and collective recommitment to fairness, equity, and justice in the workplace, noting that this year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work, was timely, reflecting harsh realities confronting workers adding that decent work goes beyond having a job to include fair remuneration, job security, safe conditions, social protection, and respect for workers’ right.
The Chairman further described poverty as a persistent adversary that erodes dignity and weakens morale, thereby, calling for bold, decisive, and coordinated action from government and stakeholders.
Sir Humphrey on behalf of the joint labour equally appealed for completion of outstanding payments to Water Corporation and ANSEPA workers, and absorption of remaining qualified staff.
It demanded implementation of the 17.5% peculiarity allowance for NASU members in ASUBEB and PPSSC; full CONJUSS for JUSUN; peculiar allowance for PASAN; and full extension of CONHESS to all eligible health workers, including NUHAP members.
Labour also called for mass recruitment to address manpower shortages, approval of pending 2025 and 2026 promotions, regular training programmes, and improved working conditions at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
It also sought increased subvention and rehabilitation of facilities for the Anambra Broadcasting Service, and accommodation of the NURTW in motor park management to promote industrial harmony.
It went on to condemn excessive salary deduction while stating that, it does not condone absenteeism but expressed deep concern over the implementation of salary deductions for absenteeism, particularly on Mondays and appealed for an immediate review and halt of the current mode of deductions.
The NLC/TUC then commended Governor Soludo for remarkable strides in road infrastructure and prudent financial management, noting that his administration achieved development without plunging the State into unsustainable debt.
The union then described his vision of a modern, livable, and globally competitive hub of innovation and commerce as worthy of collective support, and reaffirmed Labour’s readiness to collaborate on policies that uplift workers.
MaryAnn is of the Ministry of Information, Awka.
