PRESS RELEASE
2022 Worker’s Day- JCI Calls for improved conditions for Remote workers, end to ASUU Strike
On the 1st of May in 1886, workforces gathered in Chicago for the first-ever strike action to clamour for the fulfilment of their demands. If this protest did not birth anything, at least it achieved the current 8-hour workday norm in countries.
Since 1923 when it was celebrated in Chennai, May Day has become a celebration of the heroes and heroines in uniforms and attires working across more than 80 countries around the globe.
Today, we celebrate the efforts of these billions of heroes and heroines; their spirit of unity in their match, and the true essence of the working class.
This year's workers' day is a good opportunity to lend a voice in unity, demanding for improved labour rights and to request safe working conditions. Employers should grow from the antique mentality of profitability to the new idea of humanity and growth. Employees are the most critical stakeholders in the success of any organization.
As can be seen since the post-Covid era, the world is moving out of the 8-5pm office work format to remote work systems. We must not shy away from the attendant issues of lack of respect for work hours by employers and the resultant mental health issues caused by burn out of remote workers. More than anytime as well, in the name of cost saving, organisations are seen investing less in the development of the workforce. This is why as an organization, JCI launched the JCI RISE initiative focused on the future of jobs, sustaining and rebuilding economies while conversely preserving mental health and well being. With this initiative, we can reimagine the way our businesses and communities work. We have the unique opportunity to look at our traditional ways of doing things and find new paths that will make the workplace a better place for our workers.
It is also very important that we recognize the significant contribution and the role of higher institutions and lecturers to building competent workforces for our nation. It is therefore lamentable and somewhat ironical that on a day like this, there is an ongoing months-long ASUU strike; a strike which effectively prevents one of the most important institutions in the country from doing their noble job of continually moulding the workforce of tomorrow.
It is in this light, the spirit of May Day that the entire leadership of JCI Nigeria sends out a plea for all necessary quarters to come to progressive terms and the ASUU strike be suspended.
In conclusion, we will like to charge the Nigerian youths to take advantage of the new workforce of the 21st century. Think outside the box. Think globally. With the internet, the world is now a global village. You can be Nigerian, working in Nigeria, and earning legitimate foreign currency whilst working for a firm in the abroad. All that is required is a commitment to upskilling and a desire to be so good that you cannot be ignored. Hence, pick an in-demand skill today, commit to skilling up, and being super excellent at it, and I promise you, in no time, you will be sought after.
Today has been chosen to celebrate members of the workforce; from the professional jobs to the apprentice; the uniform work to remote jobs; and all sorts of legitimate, noble practices. I believe that our world and civilization as a whole keeps advancing through the effort of each and everyone of us. Teachers, Doctors, Engineers, Bricklayers, Traders, Designers and all practitioners, business owners and service providers; you are all celebrated today.
Happy Worker's Day!
Olawale Bakare,
2022 JCI Nigeria President
