The Office of the Head of the Civil Service, of the Federation, OHCSF, has called for continued partnership and synergy between government and organised labour in ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
The OHCS said this would aid in optimal performance and effective delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
The Director Overseeing, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, SWO, in the OHCSF, Dr Comfort Adeosun stated this at the 4th Permanent Secretary’s Quarterly Forum with Leaders of the Joint Union across MDAs on Wednesday, 24th January 2024.
Dr Adeosun noted that the Forum was established to improve synergy that will stimulate a harmonious working relationship between the Unions and Government for enhanced service delivery.
“It is equally to enlighten them on various initiatives of Government on issues relating to the general welfare of Public Servants and to create an enabling environment for easy implementation of staff-friendly policies that will improve the wellbeing and welfare of workers in the Service,” she added.
She also disclosed that the quarterly event has stalled since 2019 due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Office.
However, she hinted that the importance of resuscitating the meeting cannot be overemphasized, given the significant role it plays in the resolution of conflict with regard to labour-related matters, anchored on a collective bargaining process through constant dialogue between the two parties.
The Director Overseeing further said the success of previous meetings had gone a long way in restoring the confidence of the Organized Labour in the Government’s determination to improve the welfare of workers, birthing industrial peace and harmony.
She appreciated the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF) for her dogged commitment to the welfare and well-being of the Service.“This commitment is expressed in the approval to resuscitate the Forum with a directive to ensure its sustenance, in order to consolidate on the existing harmonious working relationship between the Government and Labour in MDAS,” she stated.
Dr Adeosun disclosed that the OHCSF is committed to ensuring the continuity of the Forum for the improvement of synergy and cohesion. It is an impetus for the progress of the Public Service, leveraging on conflict resolution mechanisms to nip in the bud labour contentious issues, thereby forestalling the escalation of industrial unrest, which hinders national growth.
She assured members that the government would continue to do everything possible to improve the welfare of workers, as well as strengthen their capacities to deliver on their mandates. “It is important for us to be well informed on government plans, policies and programmes to guarantee healthy communication,” she concluded.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Director, Employee and Industrial Relations, Mr Dominic Chibueze Nwachuckwu stated that the government cannot function as a critical component of nation-building without the cooperation of organised labour.
