HAPPY MAY DAY !!!

TODAY is another May Day. To Naval officers it is a signal of distress. To workers around the world, it is a day to collectively express their views on issues that influence either their working conditions or living standards. It is a day of solidarity.
Today’s May Day anniversary is being marked in the year of the nation’s golden jubilee anniversary.
As the country celebrates Workers Day today, many belief that the there is a reason to roll out the drums and celebrate even though the battle for good governance and improved welfare for Nigerian workers is far from over.
As usual in all the 36 states of Nigeria, rallies would be held by members of the two labour centers; Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria ( TUC).
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), over the years has emerged as a critical player in the fight for a better Nigeria. The union has been at the forefront of many struggles that even Nigerians, in a country wrongly or rightly described as docile and unfavorably perceived in issues of good governance, can be heard complaining that the union is overstepping its bounds.
Some would say the union should concentrate on workers’ welfare alone and let the politicians do their thing.
Whether the union has lived up to the expectations of Nigerians is open to debate but what nobody can take away from the NLC is the fact that without its agitations and sacrifices over the years, the political class would have put the country in a situation that is better imagined than experienced.
So, what are the issues, what do workers and their trade unions expect, what role would labor play in the polity. According to the NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar, “This year’s May Day coincides with Nigeria’s 50th anniversary. As usual, we will look at the challenges, problems of Nigeria over the years. Consider the economy, politics etc generally how the nation and labor fared and reason together on the way forward.
National Minimum wage, Deregulation, Electoral reform, these are important to us.
He made a plea “the patience that our members are known for should be sustained. We are not sleeping. We are working to improve the living conditions of workers. The road is rough and hard but with cooperation and understanding from all workers, we shall succeed. Workers should always support us bearing in mind that our strength is in our unity”.
Although many issues remain unresolved, Nigerian workers are still hopeful.
Happy May Day!