By Taiye Odewale
Espousal of a fresh idea on unionism in Nigeria on the template of development is set to take place in Abuja, the Nation’s capital this week in the presence of current and past labour leaders cum unionists would gather for the unveiling of a book titled: “Developmental Unionism”, written by Comrade David Ehindero.
As stated in a press release issued recently by Comrade Ehindero, the launch would take place at the Auditorium of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, while Dr Moses Adebisi from the University of Ilorin would be the book reviewer.
According to the author, the book, which is forwarded by the current NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, focuses on the concept of developmental unionism as it concerns balanced development among all stakeholders in the labour industry despite multiplicity of interests such as welfare of the workers, gains of employers and societal benefits.
“It illustrates developmental unionism as a concept given to promotion of fruitful unionism devoid of violent struggles and public demonstration with the interest of workers intact, defended and catered for,” he said.
Ehindero explained further that the intellectual effort is predicated on the possibilities of reducing over dependence on government by trade unions especially at this time of financial instability and also geared towards encouraging developmental strategies in meeting the needs of union members.
A literary work and fresh idea on Labour Unionism already embraced by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba who stated thus in his Forward to the book : “In developmental unionism, you will turn around models for dying unions and recipes for strengthening relations between government , employers and workers, thus expanding the frontiers of decent work.
“It is indeed a welcome addition to the corpus of literature on new challenges brought to the World and trade unionism by globalization”.
Immediate past governor of Edo State and former NLC President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the occasion to be attended by Chairmen of the Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity aside numerous other stakeholders in the labour industry.
