NLC Deadline: Oyo NLC Reply Information Commissioner Oyelade on Oyo Government waves Olive Branch, flaunts Worker-Friendly Policies

NLC Deadline: Oyo NLC Reply Information Commissioner Oyelade on Oyo Government waves Olive Branch, flaunts Worker-Friendly Policies

.....Says wages are Worker's Obligations not a Favor

In response to an article published by commissioner for information in Oyo state prince Dotun Oyelade, who stated that oyo workers should be sincerely reasoning and appreciates the way present administrative is handling the issues concerns workers in the State. 

According to prince Oyelade, without any efforts by the labour union, the state government had setup committee on 5th June, 2023 to review state workers salary, give out promotions and pay salaries on or before 25th of every month for over 55 months.

Also, the Commissioner pointed out several bonus awards rolled out by state government for workers since the inception of the present administration. Bonuses like, 13th month and also payment of gratitude and pensions for retired workers in the State are part of state government effort to improve Worker's well-being.

In response to prince oyelade writeup, the Nigeria Labour Congress, oyo state chapter has frowned at some points stated in Commissioner's view. According to a statement issued and signed by both NLC state chairperson and TUC Chairman,  Comrade Kayode Martins and Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro respectively, the Commissioner's writeup is not only misinformed the general public but fueling the crisis between the labour and state government.

Read the NLC/TUC response below to commissioner of information,  price Dotun Oyelade;

We bring to Workers  and Pensioners of Oyo state Fraternal greetings from the two Labour Centres (NLC&TUC) and salute the perseverance and continued loyalty of our members in the wake up of the removal of fuel subsidy which has adversely affected the livelihood and welfare of workers and Pensioners in the State.

We want to carefully review the recent appeal to the diligent workers of Oyo State, urging them to accept the olive branch extended by the State Government through the Commissioner of information, Prince  Dotun Oyelade who has misinformed the General Public with his write up.

While it is commendable that the Government has  reached out through a committee set up but the Labour centres frowned at the pace and questions the sincerity of the Government side in handling the issue  of Wage Award.

There are significant concerns that must be addressed. It's essential to emphasize that this response is not intended to criticize the government but to provide constructive feedback, which we hope will foster an environment of collaboration and understanding between the Government and its workforce.

It's disheartened to hear the assertion that the Government pays its workers. However, the claim that it should be perceived as a commendable achievement is perplexing. Payment of workers' salaries is a fundamental obligation, not a favor or an exceptional feat. Workers deserve their salaries at the end of each month as a matter of routine, without any wavering.

In the plea for acceptance, the said politician must know that Oyo State Government should learn from the Borno or Lagos State Governments on how to take care of their workers. We've rightly noted that Oyo is regarded as a pace-setter state, and it's only fitting that the government ensures that the welfare of its workforce is of a similar standard. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of the state's workers and Pensioners, who plays a vital and important role in Oyo State  growth and development.

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The Commissioner for Information's mention of a committee formed since June 5, 2023, which has yet to reach a logical conclusion raises questions about the government's commitment to resolving the workers' welfare related issues. Three months have passed, and it's fair to ask whether the cost of living remains the same as it was in June even when the FAAC has increased tremendously from the Federal Government, Workers and Pensioners continue to face the same financial challenges, and a lack of progress .

The only form of proactiveness to them is to be forming committees without any results to show.This is so disheartening.

The claim that the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER) initiative would not encompass state Workers and Pensioners, but only the poorest of the poor raises a significant issue. Are Oyo State Workers and Pensioners not  part of the poorest of the poor? Many of them struggle to afford basic necessities, such as three square meals, accomodation , children's school fees, transportation to their workplaces  and homes etc.

They share the same markets with ordinary citizens, and their financial difficulties are glaring. It is imperative that the State Government recognizes the plight of its workers and Pensioners which as a matter of urgency extend  a hand to uplift them.

It should be a priority to enhance the lives of workers not only through short-term relief measures but also through long-term, sustainable solutions. Workers and pensioners  deserves better lives and would contribute positively to the state's development. they deserve policies that reflect these aspirations.

It is vital to clarify that Oyo State Workers and pensioners are not seeking the downfall of the Government. They are advocating for better conditions and livelihoods that would enable them to provide for their families and contribute to the state's growth. Their demands are reasonable; they are a reflection of the basic rights and dignities that every worker should enjoy.

While the leadership of the labour centres in the state adopted the social dialogue measure of domestication as contained in the Federal Government and the national leadership of NLC/TUC agreement on wage award to ensure Oyo State Government's compliance to the wage award with the ultimatum contained in it, some aides of the Government instead of finding workable solution, are going about threatening workers not to comply if labour declare strike. This is really pathetic.

In conclusion, it is our hope that this response will contribute to an atmosphere of mutual understanding, where the Oyo State Government and its workers  through their leaders can come together to address the challenges faced by the workforce. It is only through collaboration and open dialogue that  lasting solutions can be found.

 As the expiration of ultimatum approaches,  we urge the Government to urgently meet with the  leadership of both NLC and TUC to discuss the way forward and work towards a brighter rewarding future for Oyo State and its dedicated Workers.

Comrade kayode Martins

NLC Chairperson 

Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro

TUC Chairman

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