Mohammed Shosanya
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC is seeking reversal of the Public Service Rules (PSR) 2021 edition, which unilaterally introduced a controversial tenure policy for Trade Union Officers.
The tenure policy was reinforced by a Circular from the Head of Service of the Federation, with Reference No. HCSF/PS/SPSO/268/13/2/38, dated August 1, 2023.
The new rule mandates that Trade Unions introduce a tenure limit of no more than two terms, with each term restricted to two years.
It disclosed that the new PSR Rule 020612 directly contradicts the existing provisions of the Labour Act and many Trade Union constitutions, which typically provide for a four-year tenure per term.
The imposition of a two-year term is disruptive and undermines the autonomy of Trade Unions to manage their internal affairs as guaranteed by their constitutions,the union maintained.
The policy,the union said,represents a significant overreach by the government, infringing on the rights of Trade Unions to self-governance and autonomy.
It also maintained that Trade Unions are constitutionally empowered to determine the tenure of their officers as enshrined in their constitutions, and any attempt to impose external limits is a direct violation of these rights.
According to the union,the imposition of a tenure limit by the PSR is an encroachment on the independence of Trade Unions and undermines the democratic processes within these unions, where members have the right to freely elect leaders based on the constitutions that govern their operations.
President of the union,Comrade Festus Osifo,in a statement on Friday,implored the Head of Service of the Federation to urgently review and rescind PSR Rule 020612 and the accompanying circular.
He reasoned that trade unions must be allowed to operate according to their constitutions, without undue interference from external bodies.
According to the union,the autonomy and independence of Trade Unions are fundamental to the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of a fair and just workplace.
The statement added:”We also urge all affiliates of Congress to stand united in defense of their constitutional rights. Together, we must resist any attempt to undermine the democratic processes within our organizations and ensure that our voices continue to be heard in the corridors of power”.
