Bauchi gov urges workers to embrace dialogue in resolving disputes

BAUCHI state Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has urged workers in the state to adopt the modern concept of unionism where dialogue is emphasized as against industrial action in resolving industrial disputes.

The Governor who made the appeal in an address during the celebration of 2018 workers’ day, appreciated the state chapter of the organised labour for maintaining good rapport with the state government.

The Governor appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress and workers in the state to ensure that the rapport and cooperation continued in the interest of the state while his administration will strive to serve the people in the face of a paucity of resources.

He lamented that nearly N16 billion was handed over to his administration as outstanding gratuities when he assumed office in 2015, saying that measures had to be put in place that ensured the stabilization of salaries and prompt payment of pension while cutting down all unnecessary expenditure.

“Through these measures we have succeeded in entrenching accountability and transparency which are the hallmark of good governance,” the Governor stressed.

He then revealed that “When after payment of the Paris Club repayment by the Federal government and payment of outstanding salaries I set aside money to commence repayment of those gratuities, a whopping figure of 26.3 billion naira was given to me.”

Mohammed Abubakar said that Workers’ Day presents an opportunity for workers in the public and private sectors to unite and reiterate their commitment to their employers with the assurance of participating in the crusade against corruption, indolence and all other vices, with a view to charting out a new course.

The Governor said the challenge of workers now is to emulate the good virtues of the civil service and return to the “good old days where discipline was the order of the day and issues of concern between employers and their employees were discussed and resolved amicably” without workers resorting to industrial action.

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The Governor added that industrial action is inimical to the development of the country as valuable man-hours are lost which translates to a loss of millions of naira.

Earlier in his speech, State Chairman’s of the NLC, Comrade Hashim Gital urged the government to support the ongoing debate on the increase of minimum wage to workers.

The NLC Chairman stated that the present minimum wage is not anything near comfort for the workers considering the economic situation of the country.

Hashim Gital however assured that workers in the state will continue to cooperate and support the government as it strives to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.