Labour leaders in Ekiti State have hailed the decision of the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi to commence immediate payment of new minimum wage for its workers on Grade Level 7 to 17.
The Governor had last Wednesday, approved the new payment for workers on Grade Level 7 to 17, four months after it announced a N19, 332 minimum wage for workers in the state (the amount is N1,332 higher than the N18,000 passed into Law by the National Assembly)
While workers on Grade Level 1 to Grade Level 6 had been enjoying the new salary package since December 2011, workers on level 7 to 17 will start taking the new salary with effect from April 1, 2012.
Leaders of the various labour unions that participated in the series of negotiations that led to the agreement, under the aegis of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), hailed the decision at a meeting with Governor Fayemi and top officials in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, describing it as a manifestation of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers.
Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, said workers in the state are now happier and more motivated, adding that they will put in their best to support the Fayemi-led administration.
“This new wage you have signed is a manifestation of your good self, and a manifestation of your commitment to our welfare and we shall reciprocate this gesture”, Olaiya said.
Also speaking, the JNC chairman, Comrade Babatunde Ajayi, said he was happy with the new wage, adding that the new wage and the social security scheme of the government will make life easier for the people of the state.
Ajayi said : “You have demonstrated your love for the people of the state and the workers in particular. Ekiti has now become one of the few states in the federation to implement the new minimum wage for workers in its employ in line with the National Minimum Wage. We salute your leadership qualities and managerial skill, especially considering that Ekiti is at the rung of the federal allocation ladder.”
“Some states in the federation which earn about N15 billion were yet to implement the new wage saying Ekiti government’s gesture is an indication of its interest in the welfare of its workers. This new wage coming at a time the government has reinstated cars and housing loans for the workers and also effected outstanding promotion, is a sign that better days area here for Ekiti workers”
Governor Fayemi had also announced at the meeting that pensioners in the state will also get 15 percent raise in their monthly pension.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in the state has said that the new wage will further reinforce the confidence of the workers in the state government and energise them to work harder for the realization of the government’s 8-point agenda.
The body in a statement signed by the state chapter chairman, Tunji Ogunlola, urged the state workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture.
Last modified: March 25, 2012
