MAY DAY

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY

May 1 every year is observed as the International Workers Day or May Day in most countries of the world.

As Nigerian workers observe the day by staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, correspondent however underscores the significance of May Day to Nigerians workers and the Nigerian economy.

International workers day is a day set aside to commemorate the 1886 Hay market affairs in Chicago, USA, where some workers engaged in a strike action to press home their demands.

This incident started the process for the international Labor Day.

The first workers day in Nigeria was celebrated in Kano State in 1980 as the then Governor Alhaji Abubarkar Rimi declared the day a public holiday.

In 1981, however, the Federal Government declared May 1 as Workers Day.

On this day, Nigerian workers converged on different open fields colorfully dressed in attires depicting their affiliate unions engage in match pass holding their union banners.

Governmental officials, Civil Society Activists and Human Rights Crusaders also joined the Nigerian Labour Unions to observe the day.

May Day or Workers' Day afford Nigerian workers the opportunity to reflect on the struggle for better working conditions and other  benefits for all Nigerian workers.

On this memorable day Government Officials or their representives, the Nigerian Labour  Congress NLC and the Trade Union Congress TUC and the United Labour Council of Nigeria as well as Human Rights Activists deliver speeches that dwell on workers welfare and well-being.

But how have the Nigerian Workers felt so far?.

The Nigerian workers of today are still faced with unconducive working environment, inadequate working materials, poor remuneration, the inability of some States to pay salaries among others.

Many believes that the Nigerian workers are better off when compared with their counterparts in other Climes.

Thus Government and other Labour Employers should endeavour to create a conducive working environment where employees can effectively discharge their duties.

It is commendable that Federal and State Governments reviewed and implemented the new minimum wage for civil servants but subsequent review and implementation of minimum wage should drag so long like the one of last year.

Furthermore, minimum wage of Civil Servants should be reviewed to meet current Economy realities  while workers salaries should be paid as at when due.

Employees, especially government workers who use precious working periods to engage in unproductive activities, those who are habitual late to work or truants should refrain forthwith.

Union Leaders who fight for the welfare and well-being of workers  should also be more diplomatic in pressing home their demands and avoid confrontation.

As workers usually say"Solidarity is forever and the struggle continues until workers are better off "