May 1, 2020
Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has assured all workers in the state that his administration would continue to make their welfare a top priority.
Fayemi applauded the workers for their efforts so far which he said had assisted the state to move forward with quality service delivery, assured his administration’s commitment to giving workers better welfare within the available meagre resources.
He gave the assurance in a statewide broadcast in Ado-Ekiti on Friday in commemoration of the 2020 International Workers’ Day celebration, with the theme: “COVID-19 Pandemic and its Social Economic Impact on the Nigerian Working Class”.
The Governor regretted that this year’s celebration was devoid of the usual fanfare and joy due to the lockdown brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said was a global scourge.
He added the surge of the pandemic, in the state and its negative consequences, was largely responsible for the delayed implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage for senior workers in the state.
The governor stated that the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council was on the brink of concluding negotiations on the consequential adjustment arising from the minimum wage, when the pandemic dealt a fatal blow on global economy, the national and state economy.
This, he said, may affect the resumption of negotiations but expressed optimism that the pandemic would soon be defeated, and that the world economy would come out of the present recession to enable the State finalize deal on the process and its consequential adjustments.
Fayemi said the labour movement in Ekiti State has been resilient and sacrificial urging them to be patient with the administration saying efforts are in the pipeline to make life more bearable for the workers.
“Salaries, pensions and gratuities are being paid as and when due. I am sure you have received your April 2020 salary and all allowances due to our health workers who are at the frontline of COVID-19 response have been paid.
“We continue to pay the N30, 000 minimum wage for junior cadre in the public service and have reinstated merit based appointments to elevate the standards of the public service.
He urged workers to be dedicated to their duties and support the government of the day with quality service delivery to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Fayemi, however, approved financial assistance for bedridden, vulnerable and widows in the civil service to assuage their sufferings.
“I have accepted the list submitted by the leadership of organized labour, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress with details of most vulnerable, sick, those that involved in accident, widows and widowers and approved money for them as a little leverage of government support in commemoration of this years May Day.
“As a government, we are determined to play our part at making work and its environment conducive for Ekiti workers. This, we believe is the only way that we can inspire our workers to give in their best in the implementation of policies and programmes of our government.”
Source: The Nations Newspaper