Review Strike Option, Casualisation, TUC Told

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has charged the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to take advantage of the commission in pursuing labour and administrative justice in the country, rather than resort to strike.
The PCC Commissioner for Rivers State, Dr. Alpheaus Paul-Worika, gave the advice in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, in a meeting with the Chairman, Rivers State, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu.
He regretted that instead of bringing their complaints on injustice to the PCC, workers and unions ignore their rights or rush to the police and the court, adding that the PCC was mandated by the constitution to handle such cases free of charge.
Paul-Worika said the PCC has the manpower and expertise to investigate and ensure administrative justice at all levels of government.
“We believe that the strike option is one issue that TUC, as member of organized labour, should think about more critically. Strike is about perceived injustice to workers, and if workers have grievances against their employers, it is within the mandate of the PCC to mediate,” he said.
The PCC boss revealed that investigations have showed that many workers fall prey to employers who do not give them valid employment letters and documents, and stressed the need for the TUC to sensitize their members on the issue.
Paul-Worika also frowned at rising cases of casualisation, as according to him, casualisation and fraudulent labour practices by employers was as a result of ignorance by job seekers.
Speaking, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Chika Onuegbu, noted that the commission occupies a strategic position in handling labour and administrative issues, and assured the TUC would partner with the commission in seeking redress on many issues affecting labour.
“I want to assure you that your visit will remain memorable because we have many complaints from workers which your commission is empowered by law to handle. We shall work very closely with you,” the TUC boss said.