The organised labour in kogi state, has called on workers to remain resolute in the commitment to their duties.
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, kogi state chapter, Comrade Onuh Edoka made the call while briefing newsman at this year’s May Day celebration in lokoja.
Comrade Edoka who said that the usual march pass by affiliate unions for the celebration of the day was not done due to the covid-nineteen pandemic appreciated the doggedness, perseverance and patience exhibited by various unions in the struggle for workers welfare.
He called on the kogi state government to pay all arrears of salaries and allowances owed its civil servants in the last eight years.
Comrade Edoka disclosed that the organised labour was in negotiation with the state government on the issue of April salaries and hoped that there would be a fair deal from the government.
He said the theme of this year’s may day celebration, Sixty years of nationhood, insecurity, wage, poverty and the future of workers in Nigeria, was apt as it critically defined the political, economic and welfare trajectories of the nation.
While also calling on the seventeen-man minimum wage committee, headed by the Secretary to the state Government, Doctor Folashade Arike Ayoade expidite action on its assignment Comrade Onuh Edoka, urged civil servants to be law abiding and observe social distancing and other safety rules as roled out by the federal government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to prevent and contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Speaking at the briefing, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Conscience Resolution, Idris Miliki, called on the state government to redeploy funds from other sub-heads of its twenty twenty budget such as the governor’s travel and transport allowance and security votes to equiping hospitals and isolation centers.
While describing workers as the victims of coronavirus due to proposed salary cut by the state government, comrade idris Miliki urged the kogi workers to resist any attempt by government to pay percentage salaries to them as a result of coronavirus.