Economy

Ekiti Government Slashes Salaries of Political Appointees, Workers

By Web News 628

Ekiti State Government has again slashed the salaries of political office holders and accounting officers for three months as a result of shortfall in the federal allocation to the state.

Also government has suspended the payment of consequential adjustment for workers from Grade level 7 and above which commenced in January 2021 for same three months.

This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on the agreement reached between representatives of government and labour leaders’ state administrative council on the state finances.

Under the M.O.U, running grant to government offices on monthly basis has been reduced while the economic review committee would henceforth meet monthly to keep labour abreast of the financial position of the state.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the signing of the document, the Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and expressed optimism that the state would successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.

She promised that government would adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement reached with the labour leaders to ensure industrial harmony in the state.

The Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated government for reducing the salaries of appointees and its efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.

Mr. Fatomiluyi noted that the unfortunate situation has directly affected the living standard of workers hence the need for government to keep to its promise.

The chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Sola Adigun who read the M.O.U said it was agreed that government would not downsize the workforce as a result of financial challenges facing the state.

He added: “The labour leadership believes in dialogue and subjecting itself to arguments logically and scientifically and bowing to superior argument. We urge the government to adhere strictly to this agreement.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi had approved the reduction in salaries of political office holders in April 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to ensure continuous payment of workers’ salaries amidst economic challenges posed by the public health situation.

Tope Bamidele

Economy

Ogun to Begin Implementation of Thirty-Five Thousand Minimum Wage

By Web News 825

Workers in Ogun state are to receive the thirty thousand five hundred naira minimum wage with effect from the first of January, 2020.

This followed the Memorandum of Understanding signed by representatives of the organized labour comprising Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and The Trade Union Congress, TUC, while the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Amope Chokor led the state government’s delegation.

They also agreed on the consequential adjustments of twenty-seven per cent for Grade Level Seven, Grade Level Eight, twenty per cent, Grade Level Ten, nineteen per cent, Level Ten to Fourteen, fifteen per cent and level Fifteen to Seventeen, fourteen per cent.

After signing the MOU, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Amope Chokor commended the organized labour for their support and thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for the good gesture which would enhance worker’s productivity in their service delivery to the people of the state.

Also, the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Olanrewaju Folorunsho who spoke on behalf of organized labour, appreciated workers for their patience during the negotiation and charged them to reciprocate the gesture by working hard to bring more wealth to the state.

On his part, the state NLC chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole said the agreement was signed in the interest of the workers.

Olajumoke Idowu