Nigerian workers have called on the government and other employers of labour to invest in the care economy so as to galvanise economic growth in the country.
The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, spoke on behalf of the workers at a press briefing in celebration of the World Day for Decent Work, on Monday in Abuja.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has set aside October 7 for the global celebration of Decent Work. This year’s celebration is themed “Invest in the Care Economy.”
ILO defines decent work as work that is secured and done by free workers who are entitled to form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining to protect their rights at work.
Mr Wabba who was represented at the briefing by his deputy, Benjamin Anthony, said investment in care economy would generate growth, tackle growing demographic challenges and help overcome gender discrimination by mainstreaming women in the economy.
“Investment in care economy means prioritising investment in extended social protection to women, extended leave for care of children, secured parental leave for both agenda and change in work arrangement to allow workers to achieve the critical balance between work and family.
“In practical terms, it means creating opportunity for work that is socially productive and economically rewarding. It means that we do not just put end the care of children and the elderly in the hands of women who constitute the majority of the workforce in the sector without adequate reward and the necessary supporting structures and facilities, ” he said.
Mr Wabba expressed dissatisfaction at the poor working conditions and insecurity and called for decent work provision and protection for migrants, women and other categories of workers.
“We are tired of a world where workers are exposed to worsening health and safety situations with increased cases of deaths and injuries at work.
“We reject a world of work of increased demand for overtime work without commensurate reward. We reject the ascendancy of a work order denoted by casual, contract, or outsourced work.
