Treat Workers Better Than Machines, Kano NLC Tells Employers

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil chapter, Dr Aliyu Yusuf, has called on employers of labour in Nigeria to treat their employees with respect in order to give their best for the development of the country.

Yusuf stated this while responding to questions from journalists after his paper presentation on topic, ‘People first’ at a pre-May Day symposium organised by Kano State Council of NLC, in collaboration with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday.

According to him, when treating an employee, his humanness should be the core concern and once treated as such, he would give his best.

He explained that an employee should not just be treated like a machine one purchases to make profit but instead, he should be given the platform where he can contribute to national development.
Yusuf said, by that, he can feel better and give better results in his place of work.
Earlier in his remarks, the state’s head of service, Abdullahi Musa, said the government under governor Abba Yusuf is committed to providing a conducive working environment that supports workers in the state.

While reaffirming government commitment to sustaining peaceful coexistence with the union aimed at entrenching the much desired industrial harmony, he commended the unions for their tireless effort in protecting workers interest as well as safeguarding them from suppression by their employers and promoting social justice in the society.

“This May Day celebration should serve as an opportunity for sober reflection on the social and economic condition of our dear state and the nation at large to ponder over options to make tomorrow and the future better.

“We should be courageous enough to own up to mistakes and challenges and try and navigate ourselves out through teamwork and collaboration. We should adhere to the principle of fairness, equity and dignity of labour where each worker is respected and empowered to reach their full potential,” he said.
In his remarks, the state NLC chairman noted that the aim of the symposium was to enlighten labour leaders and workers in the state on trends and happenings of the year and prepare them for the challenges ahead.

He said the union has had a robust 2023/2024 year with a series of undesirable events that resulted in some industrial actions and prayed that this year’s celebration would mark the end of their struggle in terms of industrial actions when their employers put them first through collective bargaining.
On how to alleviate hardship faced by the populace, he prayed that the government unveils so many projects that will help in alleviating the plight of the populace.