The true measure of Justice and economic prosperity is reflected in how a society treats its Labour force.
Issues of Labour Rights are daily confronted world over, with glaring violations of rights of workers, harzadous working condition, Gender-based discrimination in the workplace, failure to protect persons with disabilities, systematic & outright breach of compensation provisions, glaring disregard for ILO Conventions and other labour related statutes, case laws & regulatory legal instruments applicable in specific jurisdictions.
The longer we grapple with issues of workers’ rights and welfare without according any importance, to adherence to standards of operations, the deeper we go in the quagmire of infringements & negative consequences on the labour force, productivity and justice.
Of utmost concern to my mind on this day, is the poor & abusive treatment of employees by many expatriates (Chinese & Lebanese often) in Nigeria & how government’s ‘arms’ are in perpetual akimbo.
It baffles my mind often, the level of flagrant abuse, disregard & disdain many workers of these corporations and investors are subjected to & the increasing irresponsibility of government in insisting on strict compliance.
I have had cause on some occasions, to intervene in cases of this nature, while dealing the with arrogance of these abusive employers, who also casualize labour and subject workers to unimaginable hardship and various forms and degrees of abuse! Worse still is the messiah posture of these employers, who constantly assume a false sense of benevolence. It is always an appealing sight!
These corporations unfortunately capitalize on three factors:
1. The saturation in the labour market and high supply of manpower in comparison with the lesser demand, which leads to glaring desperation of citizens to secure or retain their ‘jobs’.
2. The flippant manner in which government treats its own citizens and workforce.
3. Failure of governments (from inception till date) to place value on the lives of their citizens and demand accountability from ‘foreign’ investors on the welfare and well-being of workers and employees.
4. Lack of action from regulatory bodies and agencies in ensuring compliance with standards and operational guidelines.
While Foreign Direct Investment has its benefits, a nation cannot however reasonably sacrifice the lives & dignity of its people for a piece of economic handout wrapped in impunity.
The function of government seems to have been unfortunately reduced to that of a TAX COLLECTOR, while its citizens are daily abused and subjected to indignity of Labour.
A nation that fails to protect its labour force is setting itself up for doomsday.
”Happy” workers’ day indeed.