NLC kicks against forced COVID-19 vaccine mandate

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the decision of the federal government and some state governments to force Nigerians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 pandemic.

Recall that the Federal Government had given a deadline of November 30, 2021 for all Federal Civil Servants to get vaccinated or show a negative test result before they can enter into any of its Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

Reacting, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and International Trade Union Confederation, Comrade Ayuba Wabba who disclosed this Monday during a briefing on Federal Government COVID-19 Vaccination Advisory for the Federal Civil Servants, however, assured Nigerian workers that the COVID-19 vaccines available in the country are safe and effective against the pandemic.

He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought some of the biggest strains, stress and squeeze to the workplace.

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“A study conducted by the United States Centre for Disease Control at the end of May 2021 shows that there was about 63 per cent drop in hospital visitations after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There was also a 63 per cent drop in hospital admissions post vaccination and 66 per cent drop in mortality for those aged 18 to 49 after the vaccination.

“I understand some people prefer to view COVID-19 vaccination with caution. Yes, it is important to proceed on issues of public health with great caution. Yet, it would be foolhardy to elevate caution above scientific evidence and facts from public health records.

“The truth is that despite being imperfect, the COVID-19 vaccine has given all of us a better chance of fighting the virus and staying alive. I urge workers all over the world to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccines and keep themselves, their families and their colleagues at work safe and free from the morbid threats of the corona pandemic.

“We urge the government and other employers of labour to make special arrangements for workers to access the vaccine at the workplace.

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“We urge that the tool of persuasion and conviction be used rather than force to get workers and the general populace to take the vaccine.”