WORKERS DAY: UZODIMMA PLEDGES TO IMPLEMENT NEW MINIMUM WAGE

REPORTER:  CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed his willingness to implement a new national minimum wage that will be approved by the Federal Government at the end of the ongoing negotiation.

Speaking at this year’s Workers’ Day celebration in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma said his administration was committed to enhancing the welfare of workers and entire citizens of the state.

He announced that the state had commenced payment of gratuity to retired civil servants from 2006 to date, stressing that 3,000 pensioners cutting across all cadres had been paid since Tuesday April 30, 2024 when the exercise commenced.

Governor Uzodimma commended the organized labour for support to his administration since 2020 but warned that he would no longer tolerate truancy or sharp practices from revenue generating establishments.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Chigaemezu Nwaigwe, who spoke on behalf of the organized labour, commended the state government for interventions that had lessened the burden on workers.

Comrade Nwaigwe, however, appealed for immediate payment of salaries that would reflect the last promotion given to workers in the state.

He also appealed for the implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage consequential adjustment arising from the removal of fuel subsidy to workers on salary grade level 08 and above to cushion the effects.

The event witnessed a matchpast by affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress with the Governor taking salute.

 EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU