IKECHUKWU ONYIAH ,CHAIRMAN,NATIONAL UNION OF PRINTING PUBLISHING PAPER PRODUCT WORKERS (NUPPROW)

NATIONAL UNION OF PRINTING PUBLISHING PAPER PRODUCT WORKERS

               IKECHUKWU ONYIAH ,CHAIRMAN NUPPROW

Comrade Onyiah Ikechukwu is the Chairman, (NUPPROW).Born in April 26, 1965, and graduated from Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko in  2005. Primary school-Akara – Obodo Primary School, Ndokwa East LGA. Employed 1995 with Pointer Newspapers.

First involvement in Labour Union

-         His first involvement in labour union was at the unit level (Pointer Newspaper) the Unit is also called a Chapter, especially when they have more than one operational unit. (NUPPROW has two. The Pointer News Papers and Govt. printing press)

First Impression

His first impression on joining the labour union was the less than satisfactory manner in which the union was being handled. And sought an avenue where positive change can be brought. This culminated in his becoming a treasurer in 1999.

At that point the sanitary conditions of the newspaper were bad and they took the initiative to get the sanitary conditions working. Also, the Lithographic/rotary department was having heavy chemical leakage that affected the lives of the members. This prompted the excos to negotiate with management on improving the standard. In 2000, the exco discussed with the board which saw reasons and built a separate lithographic section and a bore hole installed. These impacts and changes the excos was able effect while he was a treasurer.

Motivation to Unionism

He had participated at the village union and was a financial Secretary that gave a spirit of service and like minds. Seeing Unionism as making impact on the socio-economic state of Nigeria, He decided what he can contribute as a person and as a member of a group. Viewing unionism as working as a team and setting goals. As well Managing themselves in the union while making progress.

    He has been able t to protect the worker in Delta State. Been able to build a relationship with NLC and sister unions and the staff of Pointer are enjoying the benefit of weighing allowance, he has been able to make the union vibrant.

Labour Log: How do you managing Synergy among Unions?

Comrade Ikechukwu: Unions thrive by forging together. The will to thrive and break barriers for the welfare of our members supersede our personal differences. This makes us to only look at the common goal through the power of conviction To achieve success. Paramount to a Labour leader is not self satisfaction, but the will to serve others you represent. With that you can succeed.

Labour Log: Managing tough opponent of your view in Labour

When this happens we try to convince them and win them over with manner of approach through friendliness

Labour Log: Your Rise to Chairman NUPPROW

I served three terms treasurer and two time secretary and member of the state exco. The government printing press was mostly in charge of NUPPROW and we worked on changes and made a rotation between NUPPROW and Government Printing press. The National body decided to create a full state branch that would represent in the NLC and I was appointed the chairman. I have worked on greater understanding among the workforce and working on incorporating private printers to give them sense of belonging and be able to regulate it and ensure quality in the printing industry generally.

Labour Log: How do you manage Labour and Government relations in Negotiations

Comrade Ikechukwu: Government is a group of persons and so is Labour. The government has its stand, so does Labour. What matters in negotiation is finding a middle ground . Labour is not an alternative to management.

However, going to negotiation is about going to discuss on issues bothering on life and welfare of workers and you need your army. And who are those? Your members. Then, you get your reasons and facts.

The mindset of the Labour leader is that you do not enter into any negotiation with fear and allow yourself to be intimidated. Also, you cannot underestimate the proof of facts and issues when going to the negotiation table.

Respect for authority is very important. The idea of going into negotiation with management is not to fight or be an alternative government but to positively get proper working conditions to your members.

Labour Log: How do you feel after success full negotiation?

Comrade Ikechukwu: It feels like a life time award. Its just like going into a race which you prepare for. If you go into it and come out successful, the joy is so much that you cannot explain it. You keep thanking God for personal success achieved on behalf of staff and for God using you to achieve and help the staff welfare.

There is also the feeling of being hurt when your service is unappreciated by the persons you work for. However, because of the desire to make the impact, we just keep going on and making all attempts to communicate and pass on information because of you go off, you will not be forgiven by history. You stand on your integrity and honour.

Labour Log:  Your Deployment of Instrument of Strike.

This arises when the differences are unresolved. Communication is very vital in unionism. There must be feedback to the people you represent. Even when there is intimidation, you chart a middle course.

Before you go on strike, you negotiate, then give a 21 day warning. Then a 14 days’ notice before a warning strike.

Labour Log: How do you groom a new set of unionists?

The old order was to show aggression, but it would be best to imbibe in the younger generation the zeal to bring ideas that can affect positive change. And the zeal to give to society. That is paramount.