Osun workers suspend strike 

WORKERS in the employ of Osun State government under the aegis of Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress ((TUC), on Saturday night, suspended their industrial action embarked on since last week Wednesday.

The suspension of the strike was as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the labour unions and government on the demands of the workers.

Addressing journalists after the signing of the agreement, the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Jacob Adekomi said the government had approved the payment of full salary for the month of December 2017 to workers, and pensions, all from the last N6.3bn Paris Club refund received by the government.

He expressed optimism that the payment of full salaries to workers and pension will hopefully commence by the second quarter of 2018.

Adekomi further explained that modalities for subsequent payment of salaries and pensions between January 2018 and second quarter of the year would be addressed by the standing committee on apportionment, payment of salaries and critical expenses, adding that Governor Rauf Aregbesola had also approved the release of N1bn for bond certificate of public servants who retired on Contributory Pension Scheme.

Towards this end, the state government will also be committing N5.8billion to the payment of workers emoluments representing a total of 91% of total receipt from the third tranche of the Paris Club refund.

Similarly, the government had lifted the embargo on promotions based on nominal condition, confirmation of appointments, advancement, transfer, inter-cadre conversions and yearly increment.

Adekomi, who lauded Aregbesola for acceding to the workers’ requests in the face of the financial difficulties called on workers in the state to resume work after new year celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola commended the workers for their sacrifice, understanding and perseverance, maintaining that the workers have been supportive.

He reiterated that  Aregbesola was unhappy with the payment of modulated salary to the workers, adding that the governor was committed to the welfare of the generality of the workforce.