Gov. Dapo Abiodun (left) with the Chairman of the State NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole
Ogun State workers, under the organised labour, will today Monday, June 27, begin an indefinite strike over the refusal of the state government to meet their demands despite the plea of Governor Dapo Abiodun that the State is contending with shortage of funds.
The Chairman of Ogun State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Bankole who, over the weekend in Abeokuta made known the determination of workers to still embark on the strike explained that the organized labour had in April 2022, written to the state government to address their grievances but the governor sent some officials to discuss with them and after the discussion, nothing positive happened.
The organized labour once again, wrote another letter to the governor and for two weeks, no reply was received from the government, thus prompting the seven days ultimatum given to the government, which expires today, Monday, June 27.
“As the ultimatum expires today Monday, we will have meeting of stakeholders this morning and after that, we will begin the industrial action”, the state NLC boss noted.
“Nothing will stop the industrial action today, after due consultations with all stakeholders involved”, Bankole insisted.
Some of the issues raised by the NLC, according to the State Chairman included;
*21 months unremitted deductions form workers salaries;
*160 months contributory pensions from the administrations of Gbenga Daniels to Amosun and down to this present administration of Abiodun.
*8 months leave allowances as well as accumulated gratuity, which he said, the sum of N500 million is being released quarterly, which Labour has kicked against, describing it inadequate to settle of the outstanding among other demands.
The workers are also complaining that they were being paid net salaries, instead of gross salaries, which would include other deductions.
It would be recalled however that Governor Dapo Abiodun has thrown more light into the reason behind the failure of his government to pay workers’ salary promptly saying it was due to lack of fund.
He was speaking at the 2022 Public Service Day celebration, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta last Friday.
Governor Abiodun noted that this would be the first time such thing would happen, adding that he did not intend to make an habit of delaying workers’ salary.
Obviously trying to placate workers in the state who had recently gave his government a 7 day ultimatum warning that they would go on strike soon on matters related to their welfare, the governor said: “This is the first time we did not have enough funds to pay salary on time. I want to assure you that no matter what, we will strive to ensure that salary is paid”.
He also assured them that plans have been put in place to conduct the 2021/2022 promotion exercise, promising that his administration will settle all workers’ entitlements as at when due.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the great contributions of the public servants, adding that all outstanding issues would be addressed when the economy of the State improves.
