Labour unrest looms in Rivers State
Some labour unions in Rivers State are poised for a showdown with the state government if their various demands are not met.
The Joint state council of labour unions in state tertiary institutions have given the state government 21 days’ notice, just as health workers under the umbrella body of joint Health staff unions (JOHESU) are currently mobilizing its members to resist government plan to sack its chairman on trump charges.
In a press conference last Tuesday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt, the unions said they would also issue another 14 days’ notice after expiration of the mandatory 21 days’ notice.
Addressing journalist on behalf of the unions, comrade Nyekwere Chimerezu said among their demands were “failure of the Rivers state government to make their counterpart funding to pension scheme. Our retired colleagues have difficulties in accessing their contributions and also pension managers are requesting for approval letters from RVSG before they can get their money. Some members have died, children thrown out of school etc. it is the position that government should revert to the old system of pension and deduction should stop.”
Daily Times is in possession of the 21 days ultimatum letter issued the state government. The letter addressed to Gov. Wike, dated November 21, 2017 and signed by over 26 representatives that constituted the joint council stated that “from the foregoing labour unions in the state owned tertiary institutions resolved that having waited patiently for the response to our demands from the state government hereby issue 21 days ultimatum for the immediate release and implementation of these demands.”
The Joint Health Staff Union (JOHESU) are currently mobilizing their members for a showdown if the state government failed to rescind plans to sack its chairman, comrade (Dr) Chris Mbata, who also doubles as vice chairman of the state Trade Union Congress (TUC).
A cross section of members of the union who spoke to our correspondent in the state capital said they were aware of government’s plan. Mr. Dumbari Ben who works in one of the health centres in Port Harcourt said that, “we are aware that government wants to sack Com (Dr) Chris Mbata on the allegation that he is an APC member. This is not acceptable and can’t hold water.”
Others who refused names in point recalled when some labour leaders in the state were unduly queried for representing civil servant in meeting with state government official and vowed to resist government action because, according to them, a blow to one is a blow to all.
Memoye Oghu, PortHarcourt
