Kwara State Chapter of the organized labour union has given the state government 14 days ultimatum to start implementation of the new minimum wage.
The union made this known in a press statement signed by its leaders in the state, Issa Ore, state NLC chairman, Ezekiel Adegoke, acting TUC chairman and Saliu Suleiman, chairman State Joint National Council and made available to the Journalists.
The statement reads in part: “we observed that the state government after the conclusion of the negotiation of the new minimum wage have refused to sign the agreement for immediate implementation to all categories of Workers of this state despite our several letters to this effect which was not properly responded to by the state government”
“Having critically analyzed the economic implication of the present situation on the agreed minimum wage, therefore demand for immediate signing and implementation of the already agreed minimum wage for all categories of workers of the state and as well upward review of the negotiated minimum wage by 50% for kwara workers”
The union also said that “it noted with dismay the directive of Governor AbdulRazaq to the ministry of finance to stop deduction and remittance of Union check-off dues and other third party deductions to the concerned unions and associations in the state, said deduction of check-off dues is statutory obligation of every employers of labour where union operates”
The state organized labour union, however urged Governor AbdulRazaq to reverse the directive and start remitting to all concerned industrial unions and associations without further delay.
The organized labour union also called on Governor AbdulRazaq to pay hazard allowance to the state health workers in frontline of battle against COVID-19. They also caution the Governor not to cause salary disparity among workers in health sectors in the state and local government said he should approved 10% outstanding CONHESS to local government workers just like he did for state.
Other demands from labour union to the state government are: “payment of pension arrears of 2015 to 2019, payment of salary increase harmonization in 2010 implemented for state pensioners since 2011 where local government pensioners implementation is still hanging, payment of gratuity of retired workers since 2014 and 2008 for state and LG retirees respectively”
The union, however said it give the state government 14 days ultimatum effective from Monday 28th September and failure to yield their demands will lead to industrial action in the state.
Government Position.
“First and foremost, the Kwara State Government and labour unions have enjoyed a very cordial relationship for the past one year. That relationship has been based on mutual understanding and mutual show of good faith, and to that extent I want to say that negotiations are ongoing and both sides are showing good faith. That fine relationship will continue and I can assure you that there would not be any need for the unions to proceed on any industrial action.
“We commend them for their patience and for their understanding. Like I said, negotiations are ongoing and they may not be any need for strike because the two sides are showing mutual understanding. We’re showing good faith as a government, as we also commend labour unions in the state and the entire workforce in the state.
“Very soon there will be some pronouncements on the minimum wage.”
Rafiu Ajakaye
CPS to the Governor
September 28th 2020.
