Civil Servants Advised To Use Dialogue In Addressing Welfare Issues

Civil Servants have been urged to always explore the option of dialogue and collective bargaining in addressing workers welfare issues.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by the Permanent Secretary, Common Service Office in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi.

According to the statement, Mr Omenka gave the advice while declaring open an annual seminar organized by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria with the theme “Understanding Workers Rights and Privileges in the World of Work”.

It states that a house divided against itself will not stand stressing that the theme of the Seminar is apt considering the present challenges being faced by Nigerian workers due to the inflation globally.

The Permanent Secretary however, applauded the intervention of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ which seeks to unveil a National Living Wage for Nigerian Workers in order to alleviate suffering and improve the standard of living of the people.

The statement quotes the Guest Speaker at the occasion, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, National President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, as stressing the need to explore workers rights and privileges with a view to ensuring the protection of legal entitlements and benefits that accrue to all categories of employees in the world of work for smooth employer/employee relationship to enhance productivity.

According to him, “for a system to work there must be that symbiotic relationship between the Management and the Union.

“Workers’ rights as recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) significantly impacts the quality of life of employees, and these rights and privileges ensure fair wages, a safe workplace environment and protection against discrimination”.

“Guaranteed workers rights and
privileges is crucial in protecting employees from exploitation, in order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce”.

It further states that to reposition the Federal Civil Service to become Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centered (EPIC), motivation and welfare of Federal Civil Servants especially in the areas of housing, training, health insurance, group life assurance, pensions, gratuity, rewards and peaceful resolution of industrial disputes is crucial to effectively support Government in achieving its developmental agenda.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman ASCSN OHCSF Unit, Comrade Slyvester Ameh affirmed that the union is very concerned about the welfare and well-being of its members and will not relent in ensuring harmonious working relationship between the management and union of the Office in the overall interest of the staff.

PR Florence Adewale