EBONYI WORKERS DECRY UNLAWFUL PENSION DEDUCTION

Ebonyi State government has ordered the State Universal Basic Education Board to pay back 8% of Teachers’ salaries illegally deducted as contributory pension.

Governor David Umahi gave the directive during a meeting with the Organised Labour over the controversies surrounding the newly introduced Pension Law in the State.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the Organised Labour, was to address issues agitating the minds of workers in the newly introduced Contributory Pension Law.

According to the State Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor, the issues include contribution of 5% to the scheme by the State government against 10% as provided in the 2014 Pension Act as amended and non-appointment of Pension Fund Administrators as well as creation of Retirement Savings Account for workers.

Also, the Secretary Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the State, Comrade Max Nnaji, explained that the 8% deduction in teachers’ salaries took place last month before the Pension Law came into effect.

Other Labour Leaders who spoke at the meeting, including the Chairman Trade Union Congress, Comrade Michael Nwonwu, appealed to the State government to take a second look at the Law with a view to addressing the issues bordering workers.

Governor Umahi explained that the State government compared the Contributory Pension Laws of neighbouring States before coming up with the scheme, maintaining that the 5% was what could be afforded by the State Government.

He said the 8% deducted from teachers’ salary was done in error and ordered the agency responsible for the mistake to tender apology to teachers within 5days.

AMECHI ODO