12th May, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The organised labour sector in Edo state, on Tuesday said it has no reason to embark on strike over non-payment of salaries as their members are not being owed salary arrears by the state government.
This was contained in a press statement jointly issued and signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Comrade Charles Oronsaye, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) respectively, in the state.
The press statement which was in reaction to the threat of strike in some states over non-payment of salaries and a newspaper publication which listed Edo as one of the affected states, stated that the allegation was false as it did not represent the situation on ground.
They said their members are not owed salary arrears by the Edo state government and therefore have no cause to go on strike over non-payment of salaries as in some states.
“For the purpose of clarity and record, we wish to state that the Edo State government has paid the salaries of its employees in the public sector (health sector, teachers, civil servants) and its parastatals,” the statement said.
They said that apart from some organizations where labour still had issues for which it was currently discussing with government, all other employees of the state had been paid up to date, adding that the state government had made significant strides in the payment of salaries and deserved to be acknowledged so as to encourage performance.
It would also be recalled that the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion had in a press statement he issued on Monday, said: “While it is true that some states are currently unable to meet their financial obligation, Edo remains an exemplar. For the records, Edo State Government does not owe workers salary arrears as the government has fully discharged its obligations. As a matter of state policy since Comrade Oshiomhole assumed office in 2008, pensioners receive their pay first, followed by workers who get paid not later than the 25th of every month. The policy has not changed. For April, all pensioners and workers were also paid on schedule.
“Comrade Oshiomhole’s entire life has been devoted to the defence and advancement of the workers’ cause. While it is true that states have come under heavy pressure on account of steep fall in oil price, for the Comrade Governor, the pay day remains sacrosanct. Through prudent management, the Comrade Governor is not just paying salaries and pension on schedule but is also able to keep contractors working on sites across the state.”