By Tunde Sholanke
The Solidarity Center in Nigeria has partnered with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to organize a three day Leadership and Organising Academy for members of the TUC and its affiliates in Nigeria.
Speaking,Sonny Ogbuehi,the Country Program Director, West Africa region, Solidarity Center in Nigeria,SCN, gave an historical background of Solidarity Center and the various growth and achievements attained within the past 20years of its existence that is anchored on training and re-training of Nigerian workers among the two labour federations.
In his opening address,Comrade Festus Osifo, National President Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),thanked the participants from different affiliates of Trade Unions Congress, TUC NAC members and the organizers.
He expressed delight over the positive turnout of female unionist while admonishing everyone to be attentive and interactive in order to achieve the aim of the training which is tailored towards harnessing good leadership qualities and organizational skills.
He commended the organizers, The Solidarity Center (TSC) for partnering with TUC and for providing complete funding for the program.
Comrade Owei Lakemfa, in his lead paper x-rayed the essence of trade unionism,import of organizing and challenges of modern union organization.
Comrade Ralph Gabim,in his paper, itemized different workforce that makes up a global workforce namely-formal,informal and unionized workforce.
Nuhu Toro, in his paper titled ‘Building Worker Power, Strategic Organising” exposed participants on how to build modern trade union, factors affecting union leverage , future organizing strategies and sources of union power.
Janet Anaele,in her paper,defined gender mainstream as the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action,including legislation, policies or programmes, in any area and at all levels.
Besides,she expounded the approaches to promoting gender equality, strategies and tools for gender mainstreaming, the role of union in promoting gender equality and International policies as enshrined in ILO convention 190 which prohibit gender-based violence and harassment.
Bashman Mohammed,in this paper,identified reasons why unions must carry out extensive strategy research as a tool in organising members.
