Ebonyi workers disenchanted with govt's claim to payment of minimum wage

Aggrieved workers in Ebonyi on Tuesday expressed their disenchantment with the state government over the non-implementation of the N18,000 national minimum wage.

The workers, who were at the Abakaliki Township Stadium for the 2012 Workers Day celebration, shouted their disapproval when the governor said that his administration had implemented the new wage in spite of the socio-economic challenges facing the state.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief Dave Umahi, remarked that the state had effected the payment according to the stipulations.

“We, however, assure the workers that we will look into all contending issues surrounding the payment and other welfare packages, to ensure that they are adequately motivated for optimal performance.

“We urge you to continue supporting the government in implementing its various programmes aimed at rapidly developing the state,” he said.

He commended the workers for massively voting for him during the last general elections, expressing optimism that the relationship between the government and the organised labour would remain a catalyst to engender peace and stability in the state.

The Acting Chairman of the NLC in the state, Chief Boniface Igweonwu, noted that the minimum wage structure in the state was defective, as it did not comply with the National Minimum Wage stipulations.

“We therefore appeal to the state government to look into the issue in order to enhance workers’ productivity.

“We also appeal to the government to pay the 67 months arrears of 142% increase for pensioners, as workers deserve improved welfare packages considering their contributions to the development of the state.

“We also seek the inauguration of the state pension board, free medical care, office accommodation and official vehicle for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to enable them to run their secretariat,”
he said.

Igweonwu also called for the release of the parcel of land given to the union by the immediate past administration in the state and which the present administration revalidated in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and
2011 May Day celebrations.

“The union has notified the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development of the government’s directives on the issue but up till now, no allocation has been made to that effect,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion included march past by labour unions in the state and goodwill messages from representatives of various segments of the state. (NAN)