The workers had been at loggerheads with the government over the fractional payment of 80 percent of the September 2016 salary by the government with the workers saying the 80 percent September 2016 salary arrears paid by the state government to them was a mere gift.
The state government resolve was made known by the state Deputy governor, Hon Agboola Ajayi, who spoke with newsmen after the closed door meeting with the leadership of the workers union.
Ajayi who expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting commended the leadership of the workers union for showing understandings towards resolving the issue.
He pledged that the 20 percent deductions would be pay soon and assured the workers that the state government will look into the issue of workers promotion.
Ajayi said “Let me thank the labour leaders, we met to resolve issues. Issues were raised and we are able to resolve all the pending issues. The main issue is the salary of the September 2016 salary which we paid from the Paris Club and we do promise that we will pay the balance of the money soon.
“I appreciate them, they showed understanding and I want to assure them that our word is our commitment which we consider to be a bond. Government has social responsibility to keep to its words and that’s what we are doing and appreciate them for their understanding.”
Speaking on the promotion of the workers, he said “as per promotion civil service is a well regulated system and anybody that is due for promotion will be promoted as we are not going to deprive anybody of that legitimate right and our governor will not do that as he is always ready to do what is right.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mrs Bose Daramola said the state government has assured that that deduction would be paid very soon and urged the workers in the state to remain calm.
She said “We have met with government representatives headed by the deputy governor and we want to appreciate the deputy governor for his role in the negotiation.
“He has equally assured us that the August salary will be paid in full and that the balance of the September 2016 salary would be paid very soon which to us is a good one.”
Daramola also disclosed that “he has also assured us that all other outstanding arrears will be paid between now and the next few months after the release of the October Paris Club loan and we are expecting that between now and October that government should be able to clear the arrears
“We want to appeal to all our workers to remain calm since there has been a commitment from the government of the state towards the welfare of workers in the state.
“Government again has shown understanding that the promotion of workers for this year will not elude them and before the end of this year those who are due for promotion will be promoted without any hesitation.”
The meeting was attended by the leaders of the three unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
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