Nigeria: Ministry closes firm for flouting labour standards

By Collins Olayinka

The Minister of Labour, Dr. Hassan Lawal has ordered the immediate closure of an Abuja-based bakery outfit for flouting labour standard. A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the ministry, Samuel Olowookere, said the sanction was necessitated by the firm’s refusal to operate within the provision of the law as regards firm’s registration under the Nigerian Factories Act, 126 of 1990.

US: Teamsters endorse Obama

By Steven Greenhouse

In a surprising boost for Senator Barack Obama, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters endorsed him on Wednesday, giving him new momentum among a group where he is eager to shore up support: blue-collar men. James P. Hoffa, the president of the Teamsters, which represents more than 1.2 million truck drivers, warehouse employees and other workers, announced the endorsement after meeting with Mr. Obama in Austin, Tex.