In a recent development in Abeokuta, Nigeria, civil service workers stirred headlines as they initiated a strike to demand the payment of a 40% special allowance from the state government. This decision was announced by the employee’s union through a statement signed by its Communications Secretary, Adewale Adenekan.
The strike was triggered by the non-payment of the specified allowance, prompting the union to convene a crucial meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, the Presidents of the labor unions, and the State Joint Bargaining Council to address the matter.
During the meeting, government representatives acknowledged the legitimacy of the union’s request and admitted their oversight in not involving the union’s executive committee in the negotiation process. This exclusion was attributed to the union’s membership in the Joint Bargaining Council.
However, the focal point of contention now revolves around the timing of implementing the union’s demand, considering the impending announcement by the federal government of a new minimum wage slated to take effect between May and June 2024.
After extensive deliberations, it was mutually agreed upon that the union’s demands would be accommodated concurrently with the full realization of the national workers’ wage. Furthermore, it was decided that the union would be represented in the technical committee tasked with negotiating and executing the new minimum wage in the state.
This resolution follows demanding negotiations but is deemed equitable and advantageous for the union and its members in the long run. Consequently, the national and Ogun State leaders of the union opted to halt the indefinite strike and urged all members to resume work from Wednesday onwards. This pause allows the union to persist in its efforts to achieve its objectives through constructive dialogue and collaboration with the government.
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