Groaning under crushing economic hardship caused by unpaid salaries, workers in Oyo and Osun states have embarked on strike.

Specifically, labour unions in the two states directed their members to embark on strike in order to press home demands for the payment of owed salary arrears.

In Osun, the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Jacob Adekomi, who addressed a news conference in Osogbo, on Monday, called on workers to begin a strike today after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the state government.

Adekomi, who read from a text said, “That the 14-day ultimatum issued to the government expired today (Monday, May 25, 2015).

“That an indefinite strike action be commenced by all the workers in the State of Osun as from Tuesday, May 26, 2015 due to the failure of the government to accede to our legitimate demands, as contained in our letter to the government dated May 12, 2015.

“The indefinite strike action will be total. Workers are advised to stay at home while pressing home our demands. That no worker should resume work until an anouncement is made by the labour bodies to that effect.”

The labour union leader said that apart from the salary issue, the state government had refused to remit the contributory pension deductions from workers’ salaries to their respective retirement saving accounts.

A factional state Chairman of the NLC, Mr. Gambi Yusuf, when contacted said his faction was in support of the strike since it was aimed at fighting for the right of the entire workers in the state.

He said, “I am in support of it provided it is to fight for the welfare of workers. It is okay by me. But these are the same set of people who said before that the government did not owe them.”

But the state Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has appealed to the workers to show understanding with him on the issues.

Speaking through his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said he had tried to ensure a prompt payment of workers’ salaries despite the decline in allocation to the state before the issue degenerated.

Okanlawon said, “At the heart of all these issues being raised is insufficient fund. And regardless of the terrible revenue crisis that has led us to this state as a country, we must bear in mind the very prudent manner the Aregbesola’s government has managed the affairs of Osun.

“Therefore, workers can be certain that once the revenue complications are solved, all these issues will vanish. And as a responsible government, we still appeal to workers to show understanding – bearing in mind that at times when even other states had started experiencing delays, Osun used all it had to ensure workers did not feel the pang of the national revenue crisis.”

Other unions present at the news conference included the NLC, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Senior Civil Service Union, Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others.

The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday said that in line with the directive of the national leaders of NLC, all workers in the state should begin an indefinite strike on Tuesday (today).

Chairman of the union in the state, Waheed Olojede, stated after a meeting of the state executive that the action became necessary after the state government owed months of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions. Olojede revealed however that the state council had been in negotiation with the state government for some months on the issue and that an agreement had yet to be reached when the national body of the NLC directed that the strike should commence.

He said, “You are all aware sufficiently that in the last few months in Nigeria, many state governments have owed salaries and pensions of their workers. Oyo State is one of those states. In the last few months, we have commenced negotiation with the state government on how best to pay outstanding salaries and pensions of the workers and retirees.

“We were on the process until last Friday when the national headquarters of the NLC issued a directive, instructing all state councils of NLC where governments are owing salaries and pensions to begin industrial action as from today, Monday 25, 2015. We have got in touch with the national leadership of the NLC to make clarification on the action.

“Even when we notified them that the state NLC had commenced negotiation with the state government, the directive from the national headquarters insisted that notwithstanding our local arrangement, we must comply and begin industrial action. Because of this and the fact that no state council has the power to defy the authority of the national NLC, we immediately called a meeting of the state executive to review the directive and our process of negotiation.

“We therefore resolve that because of the law that established the NLC, no state congress is higher than the national body. Arising from this position, we have therefore resolved that we are left with no other option but to direct all workers in Oyo State to respect the national directive and stay at home from Tuesday (today).”

While expressing the optimism that the negotiation with the state would still resolve the issue, Olojede called on the state government not to abandon the negotiation, adding that as soon as a resolution was reached, the state council would approach the national headquarters of the NLC with a view to getting the permission for the workers to resume work.

“We appeal to the state government to show understanding on this directive. The only condition that can make us appear before the leadership of NLC is to have with us a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding spelling out how best and quickly salary and pension arrears can be paid and how the state will continue to pay them promptly,” he added.



NUT begins strike in FCT

Meanwhile, primary and secondary school pupils in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were on Monday sent home following an indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

The union went on strike over some policies adopted by the FCT administration that were not favourable to teachers.

The chairman, FCT Wing of NUT, Mr. Hassan Jibir, told The PUNCH that the union had directed its members “to remain at home and schools closed definitely until their demands are met by the FCT administration.”

The contentious issues include reinstatement of 27.5 per cent Teacher Salary Structure allowance; non-release of promotion for teachers for years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and non-payment of 100 per cent rent allowance to teachers.

He said, “Some categories of teachers and supervisors and those working in the offices were affected by the TSS. In 2012, six secondary schools were affected while for 2013/2014, all primary, junior secondary and senior secondary school teachers were affected.

‘‘For 2015, they are supposed to start the process but have not done that till now.”

Jibir also called on the Minister of the FCT, Bala Mohammed, to do the right thing so as to avert a crisis in the FCT.

According to him, the minister did wrong with the policy on the rent allowance for teachers which has been in line with the Federal Government’s policy.

He said, “During the administration of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai’, teachers on Grade level 1 to 6 received rent allowance of 50 per cent of their basic salaries while those on level 7 to 14 got 60 per cent of their basic salaries. Also, level 15 to 17 were receiving 75 per cent of their basic salaries.

“But when he discovered that the 50 per cent can’t pay rent in FCT, el-Rufai made it 100 per cent. Former Ministers of the FCT who succeeded him, Adamu Aliero and Abdulkahi Moddibo, continued from where el-Rufai stopped.

“But Bala Mohammed came and reverted it to 50 per cent, 60 per cent and 75 per cent whereas rent in FCT has increased tremendously since then. Instead of increasing it, he reduced it.

“We are, therefore, asking for a reversal to the 100 per cent that was started by el-Rufai, even if he can’t increase it. This is our grouse.”

When one of our correspondents visited some schools in the FCT, many parents were seen taking their children home.

In a similar development, workers under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees have threatened a showdown against state governments owing salaries in the country.

This decision was reached at the 19th plenary session of the association held in Akure, on Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, the National President of the association, Solomon Adelegan, said the non-payment of salaries to workers had increased the poverty rate across the country.

http://www.punchng.com/news/unpaid-salaries-oyo-osun-workers-begin-strike/

as if they knew I was unable to sleep, now that there is strike, sleeping tinzs on point. struggle continues

But they voted them into power

kodded:
But they voted them into power

it was a total brainwashing of many civil servants but most of then did not vote for the incumbent in oyo state and the gov is aware of this

At least it will save them the high cost transport fare

seunlayi:
it was a total brainwashing of many civil servants but most of then did not vote for the incumbent in oyo state and the gov is aware of this

but they kept quiet when they announce the result

I hope other states owing follows,the govenmnet. Must be made to fufil its obilgations

Owoda people oya come.

When people say Lagos is no man's land you will be shouting like deranged, its only Lagos can pay salary in the entire SW while others are running around with beggarly bowls.

I thought the economy of Oyo state is bigger than those of Japan, Canada and Mexico combined while Osun state has the third biggest economy after US and China ?

Owoda people come tell us how cocoa was feeding the entire Nigeria but can't feed 5 states in SW.
Waiting......

The good people of Osun state. So sad to tell you that your governor borrowed $ 250, 000 000 from Tinubu to make his way back to Abere. Just wait patiently for him to settle his debt. He will surely pay the workers outstanding salaries ONE DAY.

Eyin ara ipinle Osun ati ipinle Oyo eku amojuba strikiii ooooo.

Se eti wa ri wipe ko si Omoluabi kankan lara ogbeni Raufu alias Ogberan ati Ajimobi ti a mo si Ajibole!

Striki yii aa gbe gbogbo yin oooo, Amin Aase Edumare!

Happy striking

I WONDER WHAT RIVERS STATE CIVIL SERVANTS ARE WAITING. AMECHI HAS BEEN OWING THEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE 13 THOUSAND TEACHERS ARE BEING OWED 8 MONTHS SALARIES ARREARS.

All this owing governors are ruining the life of their workers and the same nrainwashed people still went to vote for thEm again when they had the ability to hold them accountable.most of the pdp governors that are owing are 2nd term governors and they were dealt with in most of their states. But the same aps states went back to vote their oppresors
PS: they will wait it is economically impossible for such states to pay more than 3 months salary

Progressive strike.

How can workers not get paid for six months?

Make old pa elechi of bushy ebonyi and sick chime pay the 9 month arrears of there civil servants... As of Aba Kingdom.... We all know they re the giant of Africa in owing salaries... Wicked flat headed govenors

lolaxavier:
How can workers not get paid for six months?

I wonder how they are surviving and guess what ? corruption is......

The problem we have in this country is that our youths are so bigoted and tribalistic to the point that hate has eaten deep into their skull. Now they think with their scrôtal sacks and nīpples!

When are we going to begging holding these criminal minded, devilish, inhumane set of political jobbers responsible? When are we ever gonna unite and rise against oppression? When are we gonna be productive? When are gonna put our dormant brains into use? When are we going to free ourselves from desiring the lifestyle of celebrities and move to achieve our own fit? When are we going to be emancipated from tribal slavery? When are we going to stop indulging in criminal minded acts like fraud, cheating, stealing, etc? When are we going to unite to fight against the fat checks these politicians take home? When are we going to stand against looting and encourage transparency?

Till we address all these questions and hold these heartless crooks responsible (no matter their party or tribe or religion), Nigeria will keep getting worse. Finally, no messiah can save you, only you can save yourself!

All these state governors owing salaries deserve jail term, be they in PDP or APC, while the ones that awarded white elephant projects should be made to vomit all they and their godfathers looted.

abdul123:
Wicked flat headed govenors

abdul123:
Make old pa elechi of bushy ebonyi and sick chime pay the 9 month arrears of there civil servants... As of Aba Kingdom.... We all know they re the giant of Africa in owing salaries... Wicked flat headed govenors

This is what I just talked about.. SmH! You should be addressing all the governors and not select some because they are from a tribe you hate with your last blood. Or are you happy that the ones in your region are owing salaries? All of them should be battled, be they Igbo, Yorub, Hausa, etc. Think straight and out of the tribal box bro!

BuddahMonk:
Owoda people oya come.

When people say Lagos is no man's land you will be shouting like deranged, its only Lagos can pay salary in the entire SW while others are running around with beggarly bowls.

I thought the economy of Oyo state is bigger than those of Japan, Canada and Mexico combined while Osun state has the third biggest economy after US and China ?

Owoda people come tell us how cocoa was feeding the entire Nigeria but can't feed 5 states in SW.
Waiting......

The news here also applies to other states. Many of these greedy PDP and APC governors should be arrested and made to pay or be jailed or better still, have them pay and afterwards thrown in jail. This is not about the Yorubas, it's about the foolish greedy ones and we have to fighht against them. Think outside the tribal box.

francizy:


The news here also applies to other states. Many of these greedy PDP and APC governors should be arrested and made to pay or be jailed or better still, have them pay and afterwards thrown in jail. This is not about the Yorubas, it's about the foolish greedy ones and we have to fighht against them. Think outside the tribal box.

Gbam!
Strongly seconded...

francizy:


The news here also applies to other states. Many of these greedy PDP and APC governors should be arrested and made to pay or be jailed or better still, have them pay and afterwards thrown in jail. This is not about the Yorubas, it's about the foolish greedy ones and we have to fighht against them. Think outside the tribal box.

My brother atleast we Igbo youths are united in criticising our bad leaders irrespective of what owoda people will say but owoda people are united in shielding the bad and corrupt rulers because they don't want anybody to laugh at them.
Everybody here know how igbo youths normally descend on orji and Elechi but no owoda youth have opened any thread condemning Ajimobi and his spiderman compatriot called ogbeni.

Owoda people are very funny to be sincere, telling you how Oyo is bigger than the entire igboland but doesn't know what to do with barren landmass

BuddahMonk:


My brother atleast we Igbo youths are united in criticising our bad leaders irrespective of what owoda people will say but owoda people are united in shielding the bad and corrupt rulers because they don't want anybody to laugh at them.
Everybody here know how igbo youths normally descend on orji and Elechi but no owoda youth have opened any thread condemning Ajimobi and his spiderman compatriot called ogbeni.

Owoda people are very funny to be sincere, telling you how Oyo is bigger than the entire igboland but doesn't know what to do with barren landmass

You know, I used to ignore Igbo bashings, and all of a sudden, it started getting to me. Then I realised that giving attention to situations that doesn't require it is counterproductive. If only one can learn to keep away from all these insults and all, if only we can ignore, then people who bash tribes will eventually get tired when they are not given the attention they seek.

Whoever chooses to shield their politician should remember the days that lie ahead. They should remember their children and grand children yet unborn. They should know that one man's achievement/loot/wealth only belongs to the said man and his family members. Worst deal is, the said man may even date or marry someone from another tribe who will benefit from his wealth/loot while the ones shielding them and bashing others will still be here bashing and bashing without taking a step in life.

I will try as much as possible to keep away from these bashings and hopefully, invest my time in meaningful things. God bless us all.

francizy:


You know, I used to go ignore Igbo bashings, and all of a sudden, it started getting to me. Then I realised that giving attention to one or situations that doesn't require it is counterproductive. If only one can learn to keep away from all these insults and all, if only we can ignore, then people who bash tribes will eventually get tired when they are not given the attention they seek.

Whoever chooses to shield their politician should remember the days that lie ahead. They should remember their children and grand children yet unborn. They should know that one man's achievement/loot/wealth only belongs to the said man and his family members. Worst deal is, the said man may even date or marry someone from another tribe who will benefit from his wealth/loot while the ones shielding them and bashing others will still be here bashing and bashing without taking a step in life.

I will try as much as possible to keep away from these bashings and hopefully, invest my time in meaningful things. God bless us all.

The brainless people from these state should enjoy the change they clamoured for,other state voted against their governors party because of salary owed , yet some tribalist state decided to vote on religious and tribal line for the presidential election,if it was FG GEJ owing salaries the thread would have reached 4 to five pages,Bigoted nigerians been suffering from mental slavery.