Membership Of Associations, Voluntary, Not By Coercion, Ondo Govt Warns Unionists

By Ayodele Oni

Just after a week Ondo State Government stopped leadership of trade Unions from fixing prices of goods and services, the Unions have again been told not to force people to join them.

Membership of Trade Unions, according to Government, should be voluntary and not by coercion.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Union matters, Mr Bola Aragbaiye, who met with Leaders of Trade Unions and Associations in Akure said the meeting became necessary in view of arbitrary increase in the prices of goods and services in the state, occassioned by the Union Leaders.

The Special Adviser explained that Government did not ban Unions and Associations, but only intervened to address the hardship being experienced by the people of the state as a result of the persistent arbitrary increase in prices of goods and services.

Aragbaiye pointed out that the position of the Government was that no Union or Association should fix prices for its members.

He emphasised that individuals, artisans, traders, service providers and farmers must be allowed to operate, sell their produce and render any service in any part of the state, as they may deem profitable, based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces.

The meeting had in attendance the President, Iyalajes/Iyalojas of Ondo state, Princess Nike Aroloye Akingboye; the Aare Babaloja and Babalaje General of Ondo State, Chief  Adebayo Stephen Adebowale, and United Artisans President in the state, Comrade Oluwadaisi Komolafe, among other leaders.

“It is the way the executives of these respective associations or groups run the associations that will attract people to join the professional or the trading groups.

“No association should invade anybody’s shop or business by reason of not joining the association or group. Also, all traders should be allowed to sell their goods and services in the state at reasonable prices.

“Nobody should force anybody to increase the price of his or her goods and services again.”

The Governor’s Aide stated further that government would continue to meet with the respective associations for the development of the state and the betterment of the masses.

“Associations are free to be, and from what we have discussed at the meeting, the leaders of artisans’ group,  market leaders, they have come to see that they are partners in progress with the state government.

“So, we have come to the conclusion that the associations will continue to be and join hands with government to enforce the decision of government to curb exploitation of the citizenry.”

In their separate responses, the leaders of the unions and associations applauded the Special Adviser for clarifying the issues, describing the development as first of  its kind.

They commended the state government for its proactive step aimed at reducing the artificial increase in the prices of goods and services by some traders in the state.

They promised to fully cooperate and work hand in hand with the government to checkmate the excesses of traders who deliberately increase prices of goods and services and inflict unnecessary financial burdens on the masses.