Be prepared for troublemakers’ tag, ex-NUT secretary, Olu-Abiala, tells labour unions

Comrade Olu Abiala, former Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, has urged labour unions not to be deterred by name-calling in their fight for their members’ welfare.

Abiala gave this advice while hosting the branch executives of the Non-Academic Staff Union of the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo at his chamber on Thursday.

He emphasized that union leaders should not be deterred by their employers’ goodwill or animosity, as this may compromise their members’ interests. Abiala noted that standing up for members may lead to name-calling and unfavourable treatment from employers, but it’s essential for effective union leadership.

“As union leaders, you must prioritize the welfare of your members. This may involve people calling you troublemakers. When you favour your employers, they will call you good names, but anytime you take a stand with and for your people, you will find yourselves in their bad books. They will call you troublemakers. You should be prepared for that,” Abiala said.

While speaking during the visit, the chairman of the chapter of the union, Comrade Tolulope Badmus, extolled the virtues of the former union leader, who is now a practising lawyer. He also conveyed the decision of the association to appoint Abiala as their legal adviser.

“We look up to you as a role model in the field of struggle, and we believe your experience plus expertise will help us as we navigate the tempestuous sea of labour unionism,” Badmus said.

In his acceptance to be the legal retainer, Abiala assured the association of his availability to advise and guide them in their pursuit of better welfare for their members.