SAYS HIS ADMINISTRATION HAS PRIORITISED WORKERS WELFARE
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved additional N200 million for the payment of pensioners’ gratuity reflecting N100 percent increase for the month of May.
The Governor gave the approval on Sunday at this year’s Workers Day celebration while responding to the demands of labour leadership in the state.
Senator Diri assured retirees that N400 million would be made available this month to accommodate a sizeable number of pensioners in view of the backlog of arrears.
He appreciated the workers in the state for their support and the existing harmonious industrial relationship with his administration.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Sunday quoted him as saying that his government has prioritised workers welfare to enhance productivity.
The Governor, while responding the workers demands, also approved the implementation of the annual step increment as well as the release of funds for the conduct of the 2022 promotion exercise for both the state and Local government levels.
Diri also approved the financial implementation of 2021 promotion exercise for workers and directed the relevant government officials to negotiate with labour to come up with feasible recommendations as soon as possible.
On payment of minimum wage to workers in tertiary institutions in the state, Diri explained that an implementation and revision committee had been set up under the leadership of his deputy and the report was being awaited for full implementation.
“I am not unaware of the long queue for pensioners’ gratuity monthly. As you are aware, we are treating the backlog of payment of gratuity.
“Therefore, for the month of February, we have looked at the figure and have come up with an addition. Monthly, we release N200 million for pension and gratuities. This month, we will add an additional N200 million. In other words, N400 million will be made available for the payment of pensions and gratuities.” He said.
Diri equally directed the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, to come up with recommendations for the monthly running cost of government-owned technical colleges for immediate implementation.
He also directed the relevant officials in the Ministry of Health to ensure the payment of call-duty allowances to specialist nurses as approved in 2014 in tandem with extant rules.
According to him, his administration is going to establish technical colleges across the eight Local Government Areas of the state to train people to become employers of labour rather than becoming job seekers.
Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), jointly presented their address, which was read by the state NLC chairman, Comrade John Ndiomu.
In their speech, the Labour commended the Diri administration’s workers-friendly posture and applauded the Governor for prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, infrastructural development and numerous other projects that were ongoing across the state.
Ndiomu equally commended the state government for releasing N117 million monthly to support the payment of primary school teachers in Local Government Councils.