Workers’ Day: Governor Otu assures C’River Workers of improved Welfare
The annual International Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was marked with pomp and enthusiasm, as workers gathered at the UJ Esuene Stadium to commemorate the contributions of the workforce to the development of the state.
The event was graced by the presence of the state’s governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey E. Otu, who delivered a goodwill message enumerating the administration’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of workers in Cross River.
In his address, the governor acknowledged the integral role that workers play in the implementation of government policies and programmes, stating that his administration considers the workforce as the “driver of lofty projects and programmes for the common good of the people.”
“Workers in the State are always held in high esteem to achieve good results,” the governor said.
Addressing the workers’ concerns, Governor Otu highlighted some of the key achievements of his administration in the area of workers’ welfare within the first year in office:
Prompt Payment of Salary and Pension: The governor stated that the payment of monthly salary and pension to workers and pensioners has remained a first-line charge in the state’s monthly expenditure, stressing the administration’s commitment to improve on the welfare of its workforce and retirees.
Workers’ Promotion and Implementation: Alarmed by the issue of staff stagnation on the same salary grade level for years, the governor directed the State Civil Service Commission to conduct a promotion exercise to upgrade all deserving workers up to 2023.
He further directed relevant agencies to liaise with the office of the State Accountant-General to implement all genuine promotions for both state and local government workers, effective from May 2024.
Implementation of the New National Minimum Wage: Acknowledging the “season of sweetness” that characterizes his administration, the governor announced that the least-paid worker in the Cross River State Civil Service will henceforth earn a living wage of N40,000 per month, in line with the new national minimum wage.
Improved Work Environment: The governor revealed that the renovation of some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is ongoing, with plans to provide office furniture and equipment in the second phase.
He also directed relevant agencies to address the issue of inadequate electricity supply in many MDAs.
While commending the administration for these achievements, the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Cross River State also highlighted some outstanding issues that are yet to be addressed.
Speaking on behalf of the NLC, Comrade (Amb) Gregory Olay, the state council chairman, raised concerns over the non-implementation of promotions for local government staff, primary school teachers, and primary health workers since 2015, as well as the non-payment of gratuity to retirees since 2013.
Comrade Monday Ogbodum, the state chairman of the TUC, echoed similar concerns, particularly the delay in the payment of outstanding gratuity to retirees, the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, and the issue of alleged “ghost workers” on the state’s payroll.
In his response, Governor Otu acknowledged the outstanding issues raised by the labour leaders and assured them that the government is working to address them.
He, however, urged the workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts by improving their productivity, warning that the administration may resort to ways of evaluating workers’ benefits vis-à-vis their output if the low productivity of about 5% is not addressed.
“It therefore amounts to wasting one’s sweetness in the desert if the government should yield to almost all the demands of workers, yet the productivity is not commensurate,” the governor said.
The Workers’ Day celebration, themed “The People First,” also featured cultural performances, award presentations, and solidarity messages from various stakeholders, including civil society groups and veteran labour activists.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Ogbodum, the TUC chairman, commended the governor for some of the successes recorded in the state, particularly the restoration of the state capital, Calabar, to its former glory, the payment of WAEC registration fees, and the restoration of free tuition in public schools.
He, however, urged the governor to expedite action on the outstanding issues, stating that “as long as the struggle of the workers against the bourgeoisie and the ruling class continues, and as long as all workers demands are not met, May Day will always continue to be a yearly expression of these demands.”
In his closing remarks, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the workforce, stating that the partnership between the government and the labor unions is crucial for the attainment of the state’s development goals.
“With continuous robust dialogue between the government and the Unions, coupled with the determination of the present administration to put the welfare of its workforce on the front burner, the outstanding issues will be resolved amicably soon,” the governor assured.
The 2024 International Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was a testament to the state government’s efforts to enhance the wellbeing of its workforce and foster a productive partnership with the labour unions in the pursuit of sustainable development.
