WHEN NUFBTE SET MOTIVATIONAL PACE FOR EMPLOYERS
It is an established fact that a well-motivated worker will be happy and highly productive in his or her place of work. The outcome which no doubt will impact positively on the well being of the organization.
But the prevalent situation is organizations that want workers to produce maximally without taking into cognizance the emotional state of mind of the workforce.
It is in line with keeping the hope alive in the workplace that the National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) this year institutionalized an annual Gala Award to reward excellence performance, and indeed penultimate week in Asaba, Delta State held the first of such an award.
Advancing reasons for what will be an annual event, the National President of the Union, Comrade Lateef Oyelekan said the Union was more challenged by the laise faire attitude of employers towards motivating the workers. 'For sometimes now, the union has been pushing for the Employers to device more motivational measures to encourage workers towards greater productivity.
'But our Employers/Managements have not heeded the call. We have therefore decided to set the pace for the Managements to follow' he said.
The labour leader stated that the Union's award will focus on employers, state councils and Branches of the Union's who have in one way or the other supported or contributed towards lifting the union to a greater height.
The yardstick for selecting the employers for the award he noted would be employers who are labour friendly and who through commendable policies and practices, not only given some levels of motivation to their staff, but also full support to the union towards ensuring that the union continues to grow from strength to strength.
'Some of the employers since the past one year that we set up the solidarity infinity venture Limited, have given full support to the Venture by ensuring that their products are not in short supply. For some, part of the 'Motivational measures to our members include, profit sharing besides Christmas bonus, sending staff to religious pilgrimages among others', he explained.
The state councils also qualified for the award through contributing to the increase in membership through unionization. While the branches earned their reward in the area of increase in check-off dues remittances, increase in permanent staff and less emphasis on casual and contract workers. Comrade Oyelekan however expressed that the list could be expanded to recognize selfless leaders in the society. Hence for this year award, former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) boss and the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led the honours roll calls when he bagged the distinguished Labour Award in recognition of his contribution to the upliftment of Labour Movement in Nigeria.
His colleagues in Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was also rewarded with an honourary award for being labour friendly. Others on the personality honourary list include Comrade Mike Okeme, Mr. Joseph Ibraheem Bada, Managing Director, Grand Cereal and Oil Mills Limited, Comrade Mrs Achusome C. O. and for the staff of year Comrade (Mrs.) Julianah Olufunso Olatunji, Comrade Mrs. Margaret Aigbefo and Comrade Akintunde Odeyemi.
Companies on the honour list include Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, being the largest employer of labour in the food industry, Nigerian Breweries Plc, being the highest check-off dues payer, Nestle Nigeria Plc for consistently maintaining its workforce.
Others honoured for their support for the Union Venture include Consolidated Breweries Plc, Sona Breweries Nigeria Limited, Friesland Foods (WAMCO), Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc and Nigeria Distillers Limited.
The state council on the list include, Lagos State Council I for best drive towards unionization of workers, Lagos State Council II for zeal towards education and training of members in the council and Nigerian Bottling Company Plc branch for resistance to redundancy of members in the company.