As the world marks May Day, the Federal Government says it will work to ensure that there are no job losses arising from the extreme effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.
READ ALSO: Ekiti Governor, Fayemi, Honours Man Who Rejects Son (See Video)
The Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, said this in his May Day message released by his media aide, Emmanuel Nzomiwu.
Ngige said the Federal Government would look at the four-pillar plan of policy responses to the pandemic laid out by the International Labour Organisation, ILO.
He said that such policies were intended to be human-centred and built on global solidarity.
The former Anambra Governor stated all relevant factors to the nation’s workforce would be identified, analysed and solidified to ensure job retention and continued realisation of decent work agenda.
The minister said the Federal Government would be guided by labour standards as benchmarks for social and employment protection at this time of vulnerabilities.
He stated that the government would not encourage employers to disengage any member of their staff without the prerequisite social dialogue and clearance from the ministry while commending workers in the health sector for being in the frontline of ensuring that the raging pandemic was contained.
Over the years, May 1 has been a unique day in the world of work. It is a day dedicated to workers as partners in socio-economic development of nations.
The minister, however, said the 2020 May Day celebration was different because workers are taking refuge in their homes in a bid to stay alive and beat COVID-19.
The covid-19 outbreak has affected modes of work and the utilisation of teleworking is on the increase.
As you work from home, I urge you to do your best in that regard and to endeavour to demarcate your personal life from work.
Ngige added that the Federal Government was not unmindful of the fact that businesses in both the private and public sectors had suffered as a result of the global health crisis.
