The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the management of Global Plus Publishing Limited to immediately recall about 75 workers allegedly dismissed amid ongoing mediation.
Global Plus Publishing is the official printer of the popular daily devotional “Rhapsody of Realities,” published by the Loveworld Nation (Christ Embassy).
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Mr. Abiodun Aladetan, and Acting Secretary, Ms. Vera Egbukichi, the council said the disengagement of the affected staff – members of the Pulp, Paper and Paper Products, Printing and Publishing Senior Staff Association of Nigeria – violated established labour dispute procedures.
The TUC described the development as particularly troubling, noting that discussions between the union and the company were already underway with the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
According to the council, at a meeting held on 2 March 2026, both parties agreed to maintain the status quo while negotiations continued. It added that the company had requested additional time to respond to issues raised, a request the union said it granted in good faith.
The council, however, expressed surprise that, despite the agreement, the company proceeded to retrench the workers while mediation was still in progress.
It described the action as premature and inconsistent with the principles of social dialogue and good-faith negotiations that underpin industrial relations.
With the matter already before the ministry, the labour leaders argued that the decision to dismiss the workers raises serious concerns about respect for due process and established dispute resolution mechanisms.
The union further noted that the situation was more concerning given the company’s association with a Christian ministry, which, it said, should reflect values such as fairness, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
The TUC urged the intervention of Mr. Chris Oyakhilome, describing him as a respected leader with a track record of humanitarian engagement, to ensure that justice prevails.
“We wish to reiterate that joining a trade union is a fundamental right of workers, guaranteed under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and recognised under international labour standards,” the statement read.
“It is neither a crime nor an act of disloyalty for workers to organise themselves in pursuit of legitimate workplace concerns.”
The council maintained that the labour movement remains committed to peaceful engagement and dialogue, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved through fair and lawful means.
