ANAMBRA WORKERS TO SOLUDO: PAY FULL MINIMUM WAGE, PENSION & GRATUITY ARREARS

REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commended the state workforce for their continued partnership and solidarity with government in the development of the state.

Governor Soludo, who stated this during the celebration of International Workers Day at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, assured the workers of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.

Governor Soludo, who was full of joy for attending the event for the second time as Governor, stressed that his idea of unionism was solidarity for all categories of workers, saying that only the union of workers would make Anambra State stronger and liveable.

The Governor maintained that despite the lean resources at his disposal, his administration was able to pay gratuity of civil servants since he came on board.

He promised to set up a committee that would review deductions made from the state workers salaries for the recapitalization from Ndiolu Microfinace Bank, among other challenges raised by various unions.

Earlier, the State Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emeka Nwafor, drew the Governor’s attention to some challenges faced by workers.

They included the implementation of the #30,000.00 minimum wage and it’s consequential adjustments; contributory pension scheme; arrears of gratuity and pension.

For his part, the Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Comrade Chris Ogbonna, who extolled Governor Soludo’s achievements in the employment of 5,000 teachers and the ten percent increase of salaries of civil servants among others, expressed optimism that the administration would meet their demands.

The TUC Chairnan, however, expressed dismay with non- implementation of #30,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments as well as construction Mgbakwu – Ebenebe road and the completion of Iyiagu Estate among others.

The 2023 International Workers Day with the theme “Workers’ Rights and Socio-Economic Justice,” was glamorous in Anambra State as workers trooped out en masse in their beautiful uniforms to celebrate their day.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU