From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
There is uneasy calm in Bayelsa State over the N80,000 minimum wage announced by Governor Douye Diri.
Grumbling from workers had greeted the disclosure of the consequential adjustment, which many faulted as flawed because it did not reflect civil servants’ expectations.
Investigations revealed that the labour unions uncomfortable with the implementation arranged a meeting with the deputy- governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo over the issue.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that Ewhrudjakpo assured workers of the state government’s sincerity in implementing the N80,000 minimum wage.
After the meeting, the labour unions agreed to appeal to workers to exercise patience and allow the state government to work out the adjustment using a different template.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Bayelsa State chapter, Banabas Simon, Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Julius Laye and Chairman, Joint Negotiating Committee, JNC, Mbeleokpo Andabai, the leadership of the labour unions vowed to defend the interests and rights of workers.
The statement read in part: “Government is appreciated for the approval of 80-thousand-naira new minimum wage.
”That the computation of the consequential adjustment of the 80 thousand naira minimum wage by the committee set up by the government and organized labour was flawed.
”That Bayelsa State workers are urged to remain calm and resolute as a committee by organized Labour and government is reviewing the template to come up with more acceptable figures.
”That organized labour leaders have agreed that the proposed payment for November 2024 salary should go on and the differentials on worker’s salaries will be effected in December 2024.
”That the new template to be used from December 2024 will be duly signed by government and organized labour.
’’That organized labour swore to always defend and protect the interest of workers and the government is also committed to making Bayelsa workers happy.