The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured workers in the State that all outstanding issues relating to their welfare, would be looked into by his Government.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, who stated this today in his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta where he met with the leadership of Organised Labour, noted that a Committee made up of government officials and members of labour unions would be set up to look into and resolve all outstanding issues between Government and the Labour.
“I am sure you are aware of the few things we have done since we assumed office, we are a labour-friendly administration. That much we promised before we assumed office and that much we have continued to exhibit.
“Understandably, there might be one or two things that are outstanding. I have directed that a Committee be set up between Government and Labour. It should not be seen as either a Labour or a Government Committee, but one that is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all the issues that are outstanding are resolved promptly,” he said.
The Governor admitted that he was aware that the new Minimum Wage issue was one that agitates for workers the most, adding that the issue and others would be dealt with by the Committee.
“I am aware that there are some issues that are very important to you. I know that the issue in particular is the Minimum Wage. Unfortunately, the current situation has not allowed for its implementation. I want to assure you that it was not planned. Like I said, these and other issues which I know are on your mind, will be dealt with by the Committee and I have given them the mandate to ensure that these issues are resolved within the shortest possible time,” he said.
While congratulating the Organised Labour on the Workers Day, Prince Abiodun prayed for quick solutions to the Coronavirus pandemic, expressing the hope that next year’s Worker’s Day would be celebrated with pomps and pageantry.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting, the State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, noted that Labour already had an agreement which was sacrosanct with the State Government , affirming that the issue of half-payment of salaries would not happen in the state.
“The workers in the State are interested in the Minimum Wage. We signed an agreement and they were expecting that it should be consumated by way of implementation – that has not happened. So it was one of those things that we put before the Governor, and he has reassured us again that he has put up a Committee to look at it. We are aware of the pandemic…we know…so together, we looked at it. We already have an agreement, so we are far above others yet to have an agreement. We have an agreement and it is sacrosanct to both parties…nothing is going to touch that agreement. Half payment of salaries will not happen here in Ogun State. We are more than that. It will not happen in Ogun State,” he said.
