Commission To Train Workers On Labour Relations

In its avowed stance to main
tain harmonious industrial relations with labour unions in the state, the Rivers State government  is to train its staff on Labour and industrial relations.
Head of Service, Barr Samuel LongJohn stated this last Thursday when officials of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies visited him in his office in Port Harcourt.
He requested the Director of Administration in the Establishment, Training and Pensions Bureau, Mr. Nnamdi Okpu, to identify some staff, especiallylabour desk officers to undertake a programme at the Port Harcourt Centre of the Institute when established.
Barr LongJohn, who described dialogue as key to the maintenance of lndustrial peace and harmony, said knowledge of labour/industrial relations by workers would engender optimum service delivery.
“I believe in dialogue; dialogue is a key factor in settling disputes, I believe that if people sit down and talk and understand themselves, there will be no problem, and when workers have knowledge of labour and industrial relations, they will be better equipped to perform their duties” he stressed.
He pledged the support of the state government to assist the institute in whatever way possible to enable them open a training centre in Port Harcourt and advised them to put their requests in writing stating clearly their areas of need.
Earlier, the Director, Academic and Distance Learning Programme of the Institute, Alhaji Alabi Ishaq, said the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies is a tripartite institution owned by the Federal Government and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education to run a National Diploma Course in Labour/Industrial Relations.