RAILWAY WORKERS’ UNION CALLS FOR BETTER STAFF WELFARE
The Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NURW), an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour Congress, has called on the Federal Government to consider a better salary and staff welfare scheme for the Nigerian Railway Corporation staff.
The called was made through the National President General of the Union, Comrade Lukas Ajiji and his executive members during the monthly your on Lagos- Ibadan railway inspection by the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi on Monday, November 20, 2020.
Comrade Ajiji said is has become necessary as the President Muhammadu Bihari led the Federal Government of Nigeria prepares for the resumption of railway transportation across the country after 32 years neglect adding that the railway transportation has come to stay in Nigeria as an adopted official means of transportation.
He also said that based on what is being generated presently from the skeletal services that workers are expected to have their welfare package reviewed upward in readiness for the full scale operations.
He noted that for the industry to function well as a revenue generating agency, there should also be to make legislation in readiness for a full take off of the industry.
“We will generate more money when this project is commissioned looking at what we are generating now, from Abuja Kaduna and Itakpe warri axis. I must tell you that the number one thing that will improve the life of a worker is motivation and as the country moves to transform the industry, the welfare of the railway workers should be looked into”.
On his planed action, Comrade Innocent said “my plan is to first of all approach and discuss with the Minister of transportation Rt. Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, who has a listening ear, and also move to Abuja to meet with the National Assembly committee on transportation to see how our condition will be improved. ” Looking at how the railway workers salary is structured, it is not anything good at all so approaching the National Assembly is the first step.
Comrade Ajiji said there is cordial relationship between the NURW and the NRC management. “They our plight but it is beyond their control because their has to be legislation and approval from government first”, he said.
Comrade Rufus Afolayan, the VP; Comrade Segun Essan,the Secretary General; Comrade Francis Igbokwe, the Asst Secretary General were among the Executive members of the NURW who joined the project inspection.
