By Ayodele Oni
Workers at the Ondo state owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO) have kicked against some anti labour moves by the state government to stop them from agitating for their rights.
The state government had announced that it would implement no work no pay rule, and suspension of union activities following continued strike by the workers over non implementation of new minimum wage.
The workers, in a reaction, described the measures as “not only unlawful, but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.
“The attention of the Unions in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has been drawn to the purported suspension of union activities and its duly elected executives by the Ondo State Government,
“The act is allegedly in response to the ongoing legitimate agitation for the implementation of the approved new national minimum wage to workers in Rugipo.
“We consider this action not only unlawful but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.
“First, it is important to state unequivocally that trade unions are legally recognized bodies established under the Trade Unions Act, and their existence, operations, and leadership are protected by law.
“Therefore, No state government or authority has the unilateral power to proscribe, suspend, or interfere with the legitimate activities of a registered union or dissolve its elected leadership without due legal process. Any such action is therefore null, void, and of no effect. It lacks legitimacy.
“Secondly, the demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is not a crime, nor is it an act of insubordination. It is a lawful and legitimate right of workers, backed by national policy and collective bargaining principles.
“Workers cannot be punished for peacefully demanding what rightfully belongs to them. To do so amounts to victimization and suppression of lawful industrial expression.
“Furthermore, this purported suspension raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to industrial harmony.
“Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and good-faith negotiations, resorting to coercive measures only escalates tensions and undermines trust between the government and its workforce.
“We call on the Ondo State Government to immediately rescind this decision and return to the negotiation table to address the issue of minimum wage implementation and other outstanding concerns.
“We call on the government not to take to any ill advise from enemies of progress as such would negate its good posture of being a workers friendly government.
“We urge all members of Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute, as the Union is taking appropriate legal steps to address this unlawful act.
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