Ibadan – Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has scheduled a meeting with labour leaders in the state on Thursday to discuss the outstanding salaries owed workers.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by Mr Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy.
It said that government was open to dialogue with the labour unions and other critical stakeholders on the matter and any other issue that may arise in the future.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that labour unions in the state had on Tuesday at a press conference issued a seven-day ultimatum for government to meet them.
The unions had expressed displeasure with the way government had treated the several requests to meet with them.
The government statement, however, urged workers and their leadership to allow reason to prevail by not truncating the industrial harmony currently existing in the state.
“Till date, the state government has not reneged on the letter and spirit of that agreement.
“The ultimatum issued by labour is therefore not only surprising but unnecessary and uncalled-for in the prevailing circumstance,” the statement said.
It said that the unfortunate situation foisted on the country by the dwindling accruals from oil was a major concern to all.
“ The situation is highly regrettable. Government empathises with workers and pensioners over the attendant inability to pay salaries and other emoluments.
“We have been very prompt and regular in payment in the past. We solicit continued understanding of the labour over the matter,’’ the statement said.
It said that the leadership of the labour unions and the state government have had a very robust understanding on the matter long before now.
The statement said that both parties had signed an agreement on the modality for the payment of salaries as finances were available.
“Indeed, the options of reduced salaries and reduction in an otherwise bloated workforce were considered but deferred in concession to the workers.
“A staggered salary payment strategy was proposed by labour and acceded to by government.
“It was agreed that about 90 per cent of income accruing from the state’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account should be dedicated to the workers.
“The remaining 10 percent would be deployed to the running of other aspects of governance,” it said. (NAN)