Organized labour in Ogun State has assured workers in the state of fair deal in its ongoing negotiation with the State Government on payment of the N70,000 New National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustment from grade level l to 17
Both the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Akeem Lasisi and that of the Joint Negotiating Council for public service in the state, Isa Olude gave the assurance in their separate goodwill messages on Wednesday, during second series of Leadership Retreat organized by the Comrade Hameed Benco-Ademola led State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC for chairmen and secretaries of the union and its affiliates across the state held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH ) in Sagamu
Lasisi who lauded the initiative of NLC for organizing such retreat for leaders of the union at all levels, explained that a Technical Committee to work on the consequential adjustment had been set up for the commencement of negotiations with the State Government
He however pleaded with workers to exercise a little patience with labour leaders and government, saying no meaningful negotiations will be achieved with government on consequential adjustment untill when the National Salaries, Incomes And Wages Commission releases its salary scale table for different grade levels
The TUC Chairman's comment was further confirmed by JNC Chairman represented by Sanyaolu Ismail expressed confidence that the Technical Committee on the consequential adjustment would come up with favourable salary scale in the best interest of workers when the table is eventually released by the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission
He maintained that Ogun State Government has one of the best salary scale in country only next to Lagos and Rivers out of the 36 States of the Federation
Chairman of the State NLC, Comrade Hameed Benco-Ademola had earlier urged leaders of the union at various levels and its 53 affiliates at the retreat to always put the interest of members above personal interest
"The struggles of our workers are ongoing and it is our duty as leaders to ensure that their voices are heard , their rights are protected and their future are secured . We cannot afford to be complacent. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The stakes are too high and the consequences of inaction are too great ", he charged
Benco-Ademola who described the retreat as commitment of the union to labour education and equipping its leadership with the needed skills to navigate the complex landscape of labour relations
"We must have the courage to stand up to those who would seek to undermine the rights of our workers. We must have the courage to demand fair wages , safe working conditions and respect for all workers ", he admonished
The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya represented by the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Sagamu, Dr(Mrs) Olubunmi Fatungase reassured the workers on the payroll of the State Government of the committment of government to their welfare through creation of conducive working environment for them
He urged encouraged the participants at the retreat to use the knowledge acquired to be a better labour leaders who understand governance better and know how to negotiate for the best interest of workers
The State Controller of Federal Military of Labour and Employment Generation, Mr. Nnamdi Enuah who lauded the leadership retreat by NLC, pledged government's support for such initiative that would promote industrial harmony with employers of labour
He assured that government would continue to initiate programmes that would cushion the effect of economic hardship occasioned by removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies on workers in the country
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