The federal government has urged construction workers to shelve their planned warning strike and seek dialogue to settle their dispute with their employers.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the appeal in Abuja at a meeting convened to resolve the dispute between workers and employers in the construction industry.
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The workers, under the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture, and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) and the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), had accused the Construction and Civil Engineering Employers Association of Nigeria (CCCEAN) of failing to implement the wage award for workers in the construction industry as agreed with the federal government and organized organised labour.
Onyejeocha expressed disappointment that the workers did not show up for the conciliation meeting, saying that rejecting government intervention and dialogue was not the best way to resolve the dispute.
She said the government was working to fulfil its promises to the people and expected the support of all Nigerians, including industrial peace and harmony.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s director of press and public relations, Olajide Oshundun, the minister advised the employers to keep engaging with the workers while the government persuaded them to see reasons not to go on strike.
She praised the employers for their efforts to improve the welfare and socio-economic conditions of their workers in the country.