Ogun Government Is Enslaving Workers – TUC

ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Ogun State Council has described the Ogun State Civil and Public Servants inability to conduct the 2018 and 2019 promotion exercises done or implemented by the government and her agencies as slavery in 2020.

Acting Chairman of the Union, Comrade Akeem Lasisi hinted that it was unfortunate to note and painful to realize that as of May 1st, 2020, nothing has been done to address the issue, while he however called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to without delay set machinery in motion to effect this exercise.

Furthermore, he said: “In the same vein, we are bothered by the non-payment of the accumulated gratuity to our senior citizens who have retired in droves from 2012 to date.

“It is illogical, unwholesome and ungodly to owe people who had contributed immensely to the economy and stability of the state. This is the best time they can be made happy and comfortable in retirement.

“In fact, our contributive pension deductions and government’s counterpart funding, are hanging in the balance since God knows when.

“It means that those of us in service are not promised of any comfort any time we retire. We therefore urge government to stop deductions immediately while we return to table to fashion a way forward.

“The Union also wishes to vehemently enjoin government against any intention to deduct or cut workers pay in a bid to source funds to help the less-privileged or for other purposes arising from the need to cushion the economic crisis occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Workers in the state are parts of those who are worse hit by the economic crisis and any attempt to cut their pay will definitely not go down well with the workers and labour.

“Finally, the Trade Union Congress wishes to commend the state Government especially Mr. Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun for the proactive approach to combating the pandemic on all fronts.

“Ogun State, given her strategic position in Nigeria would have been worst hit but for the quick, proactive and uncommon brilliant handling of the situation by his administration.

“We therefore wish to register our commendation in the first instance, and pledge our support to his administration so that collectively we rid Ogun state of COVID-19.

“In the meantime, the state council salutes the courage and doggedness of the health practitioners in the frontline of fighting this dreaded virus. May God continue to be your guide and guard as you battle to safeguard the rest of us. May the souls of the lost victims of the virus rest in peace.

“While urging and admonishing workers to stay alive, stay at home and adhere to all the health care tips against the Coronavirus, also wishes all workers who are Muslim faithful, Ramadan Mubarak. Happy and healthy International Labour Day.”