By: Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola

Organised Labour Unions in the State have been called upon to continue to maintain cordial relationships with the state government by fostering ideas and adopting effective bargaining techniques while negotiating for the welfare of the workforce.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, made the call while declaring open a 2-day retreat with the theme "Sustaining Industrial Harmony through Effective, Collective Bargaining Practices", put together by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Ogun State Council (Trade Union side), for Public Service Trade Union Leaders, held at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Hall, Leme, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, the Head of Service said the Labour leaders must embrace the spirit of collaboration and cooperation and realise that the synergy between the workforce and government would not only result to a flourishing Public Service but also promote a healthy working environment for all.

Mr. Fagbohun enjoined them to be considerate, realistic and patriotic in presenting their demands, saying that they should be aware that the government was always willing to satisfy workers' yearnings, but for limited resources and myriad responsibilities of the State begging for immediate attention.

"I encourage you to take this opportunity to savour all the knowledge and insights that will be provided by the carefully selected speakers, learn from one another and engage with the sessions, fellow participants and the serene environment with a spirit of curiosity and openness. Endeavour to engage in productive conversations, share your thoughts and opinions freely but constructively, as the insights that will be gained have the potential to resonate long after the training and as well enhance your skills in the discharge of your comradeship duties", he urged the participants.

The Head of Service, while commending the organised labour leaders for their maturity, understanding and collaboration since his assumption of office as the HoS said their disposition has in no small measure contributed to the peaceful industrial climate in the State, with knotty issues in favour of the workers amicably resolved, charged them to sustain the cordial relationship for the continued progress and prosperity of the workforce of the State.

In their fraternity messages, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Ahmed-Benco and his counterparts from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, represented by his Secretary, Comrade Segun Adebiyi, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, while lauding the JNC for coming up with the training at a time like this, urged the participants to use the training to keep upholding the principle of industrial harmony and cooperation to entrench desired positive change in the Public Service.

According to them, training is a major key player in the development of any individual and organisation, as this is meant to transform, hence, all the participants must embrace continuous training to surmount the myriad of challenges facing the labour unions.