Ekiti workers begin strike over unpaid salaries

ADO-EKITI—Organised Labour in Ekiti State, yesterday, began indefinite strike to press for the payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances owed by the outgoing Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration.
The labour unions, under the leadership of Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, also lambasted the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the State over what he called its lackadaisical attitude about the plights of the suffering workers.
Briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the JNC Chairman, Oladipupo Johnson, said that the August and September salaries as well as the June and July deductions have not been paid as promised by the governor, describing this as the highest point of insensitivity.
Also in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti by JNC chairman, the body said the strike action became imperative following alleged uncaring attitude displayed by Governor Fayemi towards the welfare of Ekiti workers.
It stated that, “it is unfortunate to note that in spite of the pronouncement and promises from top government functionaries, there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Following this, the workers of the public service had met and directed that workers should not come to work today (yesterday), October 2, 2014 and this subsists until all conditions are met.
“And any worker who refuses to obey this simple directive does so at his or her own risk since the leaders would not take responsibility for anything that happens to such a worker.”
Despite the fact that the strike was over 90 per cent successful, the JNC still went round the State Secretariat and other government offices to picket few workers that reported to duties.
In his reaction, Fayemi said he had instructed the Head of Service, Mr Bunmi Famosaya to meet with the leadership of JNC and relay to them that the salaries will be paid within 48 hours.
Fayemi, who responded through the Information Commissioner, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, said; “You may recall that Ekiti has been paying as and when due before the present situation and we have a template by which we used to meet up. We used to take facilities from banks to pay salary before the arrival of the State’s allocations.”
“But unfortunately, because of the transition, opposition went to stop the banks and we have explained the situation to union leaders . Delay in payment has never been our character . But discussion has been concluded to ensure that the money is paid with 48 hours. We expect the workers to reciprocate the gesture by calling off the strike and report to work immediately in the interest of the State”, he said.