By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The organised Labour in Bayelsa has urged the new government in the state to offset the outstanding January salary of some workers.
The unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) gave the advice in separate interviews with journalists on Tuesday in Yenagoa.
They explained that some workers in local governments, teachers in primary and secondary schools, workers in the rural development areas (RDAs), ministries, higher institutions, government parastatals among others are owed January salary.
The organised Labour, however congratulated the new governor, Sen. Douye Diri, and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and promised readiness to support government policies and programmes aimed at moving Bayelsa forward.
Mr John Ndiomu, state chairman of the NLC, stressed the need for improved workers’ well-being as according to him, it would go a long way in strengthening industrial harmony.
“Sir, workers are confident that you will use your wealth of experience to move the state to the next level. We trust, you will work to improve workers’ well-being as well as infrastructure for the people.
“Other expectations include: regular payment of salaries, payment of gratuity to pensioners, training and retraining of workers, payment of promotion and minimum wage arrears,” he said.
Mr Laye Julius, state chairman of TUC, also urged the new government to offset the outstanding January salary to workers, who have not been paid.
“Pay the outstanding January salary alongside with the February,” Julius stated.
Recall that the immediate past governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, who vacated office on February 14, had failed to clear the payment of January salary of some workers in the state