TUC laments how millions of workers lost their jobs, committed suicide in 2017

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has described 2017 year as one in which Nigerians were subjected to various dehumanizing conditions.

The union also lamented how millions of workers lost their jobs with several committing suicide.
The group also decried the situation were many workers and pensioners were owed up to six-months salaries and pensions in the midst of the grueling fuel scarcity in the country.

TUC stated this in a New Year message signed and released by its president, Bobboi Kaigama, and secretary-general, Musa-Lawal Ozigi, in Abuja on Sunday.

The Union said, “The TUC states here unequivocally that Nigerian workers have not only lost their jobs in millions but many even committed suicide when they could no longer fend for their families.

“It is no news that pensioners (our senior servants), who served this country meritoriously, die on a daily basis, even at verification locations throughout the country. Though their pension is not paid yet, they are burdened to feed their graduate children who are yet to get jobs five years after graduation.

“This is not the best of times in our country as Nigerians are subjected to various dehumanizing conditions. How do we explain that in the midst of the grueling fuel scarcity, many workers are still being owed up to six months salaries?”

On the bailouts released to state governors by the Federal Government to help them offset workers backlogs of salaries, TUC said, “Bailouts were given but unfortunately diverted by governors and the Federal Government seems not to be doing anything about it. Those governors involved in such irresponsible act should be brought to book. There is no milk of kindness left in our leaders anymore.

READ ALSO: Soyinka decries persisting fuel crisis, says blame passing is govt’s New Year gift to Nigerians

“Families die on our roads, yet, they tell us our roads are not as bad as some Nigerians claim. It is only in Nigeria people pay for services that they did not use. The power sector is a case in point. If things remain like this, the congress may have no option than to hit the street.

“All corrupt political officials should face the music, irrespective of their political affiliations. No more soft landings for any body found to have looted the country. Congress can no longer accommodate this perennial fuel scarcity, especially during the Yuletide or any other time. If it happens, we will direct and mobilise our members all over the country to abandon their cars on major roads,” TUC added.

 

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