Organised labour in Oyo State has given the state government a 7-day ultimatum to implement the federal government’s wage award of ₦35,000 for workers and ₦25,000 for pensioners.
The ultimatum, issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), warns of industrial action if the demands are not met.
Labour leaders emphasize the need for the state government to align with the federal commitment to ensure industrial harmony.
The ultimatum follows months of discussions, with workers expressing frustration over delayed implementation.
Speaking after the congress held at the NLC secretariat, Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, and TUC Vice Chairman, Comrade Oluranti Oluwemimo, highlighted the importance of adhering to the federal government’s agreement.
Martins conveyed the sentiment of workers, stating, “Today’s congress was solely called on wage award issue. It’s been lingering all the while and workers in the state are fed up, even the pensioners.”
He noted that meetings were held, and an ad hoc committee was set up by the government to arrange a suitable arrangement for the wage award based on workers’ recommendations.
Martins appealed to the state government to consider exceeding the federal commitment, recognizing the governor’s support for workers and pensioners.
The ultimatum signals the resolve of workers to stay at home if the wage award is not implemented by the end of the month.
The state Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, echoed the firm stance taken at the congress, stating, “So, the NUP is fully in support of all the decisions taken at this congress here today (Monday). So, there is no going back on it.”
Present at the congress were key figures, including Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Congress JNC, Comrade Seun Olanipekun, Chairman of Oyo NUP, Chief Isiaka Abolade, Assistant Secretary of Oyo NUP, Comrade Banji Koleoso, and Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, Comrade Muhammed Ibrahim.
