OBIANO PROMISES TO IMPLEMENTE NEW MINIMUM WAGE AS LABOUR KICKS AGAINST CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME IN ANAMBRA

The Anambra State Government says it will commence the implementation of the New Minimum Wage once its guidelines are released.

Governor Willie Obiano made this known while addressing workers in the state during the May Day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

Governor Obiano extolled the cordial working relationship with the Organized Labour in the state in the past five years, which he noted had ensured the progress of his administration.

He announced that all the demands tabled before the Special Committee on Labour Issues chaired by the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Nkem Okeke, had been approved.

Governor Obiano pledged to continuously prioritize the welfare of workers, stressing that his administration had cleared all pension arrears, which accumulated in the past twenty five years.

Earlier in a speech, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State Council, Comrade Jerry Nnubia, bemoaned the high youth unemployment in the country, which he said accounted for the upsurge in crime and other social vices.

Comrade Nnubia applauded the speedy passage and assent to New Minimum Wage and urged the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to issue the implementation circular to enable the state government begin its payment.

He frowned at the poor implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state and called for its scrapping and refund of monies deducted from workers salaries.

Also, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ifeanyi Okechukwu, who called for regular training of workers for enhanced productivity, commended the state government for releasing #200 million naira to start the Workers’ Housing Estate in the area.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Pascal Agbodike, in an interview, pledged to support the Executive in its efforts to improve the welfare of workers.

Other stakeholders, who graced the event, including Chief Dan Ogbuefi and Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka felicitated with the Nigerian workers and called for positive measures to appreciate their contributions to nation building.

The event featured march past by workers.

NDU NWANNAH