Sustaining Peace, Growth In The Work Place

Written By Chikezie Chinkata, FRCN Abuja Operations

It is normal for workers all over the world to continue to ask and wish to have better packages for their services even if it appears that reasonable packages have been provided, compared with their counterparts in other climes.

In the same vein, employers are always wishing the productivity levels to keep on rising, even if it is obvious that the output by the workers has reached optimal levels.

No doubt, this scenario can form the theoretical framework which disagreements at the work place can be understood, analysed and possible solutions proffered.

All said and done, both the workers and the employers need a peaceful environment to actualize their goals.

As the nation is faced with challenges of ensuring a harmonious working relationship between the workers of all categories and employers of different levels, especially with regards to the issues between the government and labour unions, considering the high inflation rate currently, it is pertinent all stakeholders focus on issues that will promote peace and sustainable growth in the workplace instead of stressing on unprogressive approaches that would not help the parties and at the same time retard development.

Various workers unions and governments at all levels representing employers of labour in different ramifications have to express strong commitment towards achieving peaceful working conditions, given the challenges faced by all, due to the removal of the fuel subsidy.

However, to make progress in any effort towards ensuring harmonious employer and employee relations, the watch word should be sincerity.

Both the employers and employees operate in the same environment, therefore any party appearing insensitive to the reality on ground is in a nutshell not truthful.

A situation an employer is aware that the cost of transportation by the employee to the work place takes over eighty percent of the total take home package of the worker, and the employer has not made an effort towards enhancing the welfare of the employee, such employer is indirectly seeking for industrial conflict as well as encouraging corruption.

In the same vein, a worker who is continuously asking for increase in take home package without considering the economic status of the establishment, is calling for unemployment and poverty.

To reach a common ground therefore, there is need for sincerity on the part of the workers and employers of labour at all levels.

While the employer seeks to have increased output and growth, should at the same time be mindful of the welfare of the workers.

The workers should be interested in the development of the establishment and shun unrealistic demands that may destroy the system if granted.

As the citizens await amicable resolutions in the issues between the labour unions and the government,all efforts should be made to ensuring that the masses are not put into more painful conditions which will be the consequences of any industrial conflict.

Labour leaders in different categories should start working out long term plans towards enhancing the welfare of workers not only while in service, even at retirement .

The unions should begin to think of establishing facilities and business outfits that could serve as soft landing for retired colleagues who may need some support.

Such measures, will help in boosting the morals of workers whether in service or out of service and check other challenges facing the workers.

With harmonious working condition and sincerity on the part of all stakeholders, growth, peace and development will be enhanced in the country .