Workers’ Welfare: Labour Leaders Hail Fayose as HOS Declares Labour Polarization Unhealthy

The South West Zonal Vice President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade Bayo Ajayi and the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Ekiti State chapter, Comrade Ade Adesanmi have commended Governor Ayodele Fayose for prioritizing the welfare of workers in the State Public Service.

The zonal leader of the Nigeria Civil Service Union gave the commendation in Ado Ekiti during a courtesy call on the State Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka; saying that the payment of workers’ salaries as well as pension in spite of the biting economic recession is a demonstration of his commitment to the wellbeing of the workforce.

The southwest labour umbrella conferred the “Award of Excellence and Adorable member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union” on Dr Faseluka during the visit.

Ajayi added that unlike some States in the southwest, the Ekiti government is paying gross salary package to its workers.

The NLC Chairman in the State, Comrade Adesanmi hailed Fayose for taking over the liabilities of the previous administration in terms of the unpaid salaries and backlog of promotions.

Adesanmi who said the Fayose-led government is trying to ensure that both workers and retirees get paid as and when due urged the government to defray the backlog of unpaid gratuity with the second tranche of London Paris Club refund which is being awaited.

He thanked the government for ensuring a robust working relationship between it and labour unions in the State.

In his response, the Head of Service, Dr Faseluka welcomed the Southwest leaders of the Union and thanked them for the honour done him.

The Head of Service assured that the state government under Governor Ayodele Fayose will continue to accord priority attention to workers’ welfare for those in active service and retired officers.

He stated that the government was already addressing the issue of backlog of unpaid gratuities while the Contributory Pension Scheme will take off in the State with January 2017 salary.

While calling on labour leaders across the country to close their ranks, the Head of Service condemned the polarization of the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress; stressing that labour unions must be united in order to insist on the welfare of workers and good governance across the country.