The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begged federal and state governments to not stop or deduct workers’ salaries amid the coronavirus pandemic.
NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba revealed this today in commemoration of the 2020 International Workers’ Memorial Day with the theme: “Stop the Pandemic at Work.”
According to him, the government should realize that without workers creating wealth, no profit can be made in the country, which is why deducting workers’ salaries would be illogical and illegal.
He added that NLC has ordered affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of COVID-19 since it would be an unreasonable move.
His words, “On this occasion, we make the point that labour is not a commodity to be taken, trampled, and tossed aside.
“Workers create the wealth and demand a decent fraction of the reward of their efforts.
“We urge workers everywhere to continue to draw inspiration from the fact that without our sweat, no sweet gain can be made.
“Without the twitching of our muscles, no socio-economic puzzle can be solved.
“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.
“We reassure our workers that our priority in these trying times remains the cautious, gradual, evidence-led and smart restart of the economy so that our workers can go back to work.”
“The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Stop the Pandemic at Work”.
“This is significant coming at the epoch of the global fight against the novel corona virus disease otherwise known as COVID-19.
“The contribution of frontline workers, especially healthcare workers, has become the only buffer between deaths in thousands and deaths in millions.
“Every day, our healthcare workers courageously dare the stare of death in selfless service to rescue the lives of others.
“On a day like this, we salute the uncommon love, faith, courage, and sacrifice by frontline workers who have given more than what the call of duty demands to give hope to humanity.”
