Olude stated this on Wednesday in his opening address at a 2-Day Retreat with the theme "Sustaining Industrial Harmony through Effective, Collective Bargaining Practices", organized by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Ogun State Council (Trade Union side), for Public Service and Trade Union Leaders, held at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Hall, Leme in Abeokuta, the State capital.
Emphasizing the significance of training, Comrade Olude encouraged leaders to leverage the expertise of the resource persons present.
He expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the support provided to ensure the success of the training.
Additionally, he extended appreciation to leaders of various unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
According to Olude "It is towards meeting these values and application of same in our day-to-day operations and especially achieving the set objectives and visions of the Joint Council that the academic exercise becomes invaluable. We will be opportune to interact with seasoned professionals whose cognate exposures and vast experience in the corporate world are as relevant to the labour movement and the public service itself.
"Distinguished Comrades, let me assure you that the time we would have on this experience would be worth it. I also urge us to open up and absorb content of the retreat for better understanding and relationship in our collective efforts to improving the quality of welfare of our esteemed members.
"At this juncture, for, and on behalf of all Public Service Unions in the State, we honestly appreciate His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON for the support of the State Government for this programme. Also, we acknowledge the open-door policy which our amiable Head of Service, Mr Fagbohun Kolawole Peter practice with us.
"Distinguished Comrades, as we embark on this cerebral excursion, it is hoped that we will come out a new and renewed with dedication to our call duties to serve the humanity.
In his address, the state Head of Service, Kolawole Fagbohun urged leaders of Labour Unions in the State to sustain their existing cordial relationships with the State Government by fostering ideas and adopting effective bargaining techniques when negotiating for the welfare of the workforce.
Fagbohun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, stressed the need for Labour leaders to always embrace the spirit of collaboration and cooperation
He added 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.
The Head of Service 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 who commended the organised labour leaders for their maturity, understanding and collaboration since his assumption of office as the HoS , was full of praises for their disposition which according to him, has in no small measure contributed to the peaceful industrial climate in the State, with knotty issues in favour of the workers amicably resolved.
A Medical Expert, Dr. Alayaki Adewunmi in his paper tittled 'Labour leadership and Stress Management' advised labour leaders to invest in their health, time and embrace healthy attitude such as periodic Medical check-up, drinking enough water, early breakfast and sound sleep.
He further urged them to shun attitudes of excessive alcohol intake and eating of junks to prevent themselves from deadly health issues.
University Don, Dr. S.B Adedeji of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in his Lecture titted "Conflict and conflict Resolution Technique" implored the labour leaders to embrace social dialogue consultation and humility in their approach in resolving industrial dispute, and allow continuous interface with the Government.
He further expressed that, it is very important for them to identify key personalities outside Government who can partner with them to promote the affairs of their Unions and capable of offer them good ideas for the development of their Unions and smooth running of their Administration, adding that, they should promote good relationship with their members by prioritizing their welfarism and be transparent enough.
Also, Dr Adenyi in his own lecture tittled 'Collective Bargaining as a Tool for Effective Labour Relationship' advised labour leaders to always disseminate information to their members in order to deal with the issues of mistrust. And allow mutual respect and maturity in dealing with the members.
He added that, labour leaders should not be arrogant and avoid temperament while negotiating with the Government, and always make sure their is signing of agreement in after their consultation with the Government.
Also speaking , 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 in their respective goodwill messages, lauded the JNC for coming up with the training at a time like this.
They 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.
Comrade Benco-Ademola also urged participants at the retreat to make good use of all the positives as their watch words when handling labour matters
He assured that the State council of NLC would continue to train its leaders at all levels to sustain the knowledge of negotiating skills acquired at the retreat.
