Abia State Government (ABSG) says it is inappropriate and misleading for the national leadership of the Organized Labour to include Abia among the 14 States yet to commence the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and consequently a State where Workers will embark on an industrial action from Monday 2/12/24.
Speaking with Journalists during a meeting with the Organized Labour in the State at the Government House, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba made it clear that Abia was one of the first states to commence the implemention of the new wage for its workforce , which started in October this year.
“It is a misinformation that Abia State has not started the implementation of the new minimum wage.
” Of course, Abia workers have been paid the first salary according to the new minimum wage in their October salary and that has also been done this last November.
“So, it is not true that Abia State is one of those States that has not started implementation of the new national minimum wage.” Ajagba stated.
Pastor Ajagba while reaffirming the commitment of Governor Alex Otti in prioritizing the welfare of Abia workers, wondered why Abia should be named among states yet to implement the new wage.
He however noted that after the payment commenced, certain grey areas were pointed out by the Organized Labour and disclosed that the government has shown firm commitment to addressing same.
“His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has always demonstrated his commitment to ensuring industrial harmony and also to make sure the welfare of Abia workers receive priority attention.
“After the payment was made to the Organized Labour made some observations which the communicated back to us . In the same spirit of being a very responsible government we assured them that it should be looked into.” The Chief of staff explained.
Contributing, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe categorically stated that Abia State government commenced the implementation of the new minimum wage from October this year, clarifying however, that some anomalies were observed in the salaries of workers between grade levels 8 to 16.
They revealed that the Organized Labour is currently in talks with the Abia State Government to address the errors discovered and assured that it would be corrected.
According to Comrade Okoro, “Let me categorically say that Abia State implemented the minimum wage in October but it did not favour all the workers. It favoured workers between level 1 to 7.
“From 8 to 16 were not properly taken care of. And when we noticed that anomaly, the Organized Labour wrote a letter reminding the government that we have not tidied up the remaining loose ends, that there is need for workers between level 8 and 16 should be better placed.
“Immediately that minimum wage was implemented in October those in level 7 were taken higher payment than those in level 10. And it’s not supposed to be like that.” Okoro maintained.
The National Leadership of NLC had directed Abia Workers to proceed on industrial action from Monday, following it claimed to be the failure of the Government to implement the new minimum wage.
The meeting between the Government and the organized labour in Abia has however resolved the situation.
