Ogun State Council Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Akeem Lasisi has stressed the need for Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration to prioritize the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for its workforce by end of September this year as contained in the Memoranda of Action MOA signed with the organized labour last July, 2025
Also public servants according to him, are eagerly awaiting a review of their salaries regarding the basic salary of the new minimum monthly wage of N77,000 and domestic servant allowance in the same month of September, saying the basic salary is the function of retirement benefits, leave allowance among others
Comrade Lasisi who was speaking on Thursday during a maiden quadrennial delegates conference of the State Council of TUC in Abeokuta, the state capital, warned that the organized labour would have no choice than to ask government to defer the scheme, if deductions from workers' salaries are not remitted to the pension fund managers by the end of September
"We agreed that where remittance is not effected by 30th September, the Organised Labour will request for the deferment of the scheme's commencement to a later date", he said
"Retirement should be a time for workers to feel happy and secure, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Workers have made significant contributions to the unprecedented peace, sustainable development, and economic growth of the State", he added
The TUC boss who appreciated the several efforts of Governor Abiodun's at priotizing welfare of workers, also emphasized the need for government to work on the consequential adjustment of monthly pension being paid to pensioners in the state
"We appreciate the government's effort in the payment of gratuity", he noted
He stressed the need for government to allow workers to freely belong to relevant unions of their choice, so as to industrial friendly environment for them
"We urge employers in the state to allow workers to organise and join the labour union of their choice. This is crucial for collectively representing their interests and preventing disputes that could escalate into strikes", he urged
Comrade Lasisi however expressed concern over the attitude of private sector particularly the manner workers are being treated, vowing that "the State Council will resist any attempt by employers, particularly private investors, to create disunity among workers and the various affiliate unions"
"We urge the government to monitor these investors' activities closely to prevent the exploitation of state citizens"
"In addition to evading taxes, many of these organisations engage in unfair and anti-labour practices, such as casualisation, underpayment, and providing poor working conditions and safety measures", he decried
Comrade welcoming the delegates, said theme of the quadrennial conference, "Advancing Decent Work and Social Justice," aligned with the focus of International Labour Conference on workers' welfare.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Rhonda Olawunmi Sowunmi in her presentation on the theme of the conference emphasized the importance of "Advancing Decent Work and Social Justice" by employers in any working environment to ensure high productivity among workers and industrial harmony
She lamented that lack of adequate incentives for welfare of workers and failure of government to provide basic necessities such as housing, good healthcare and effective public transport system would encourage corruption and criminal acts for them to survive in the service
"Decent Work must be advanced in every working environment to encourage workers to put in their best in work places to ensure growth of the country", she concluded
Similarly, the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya represented by Permanent Secretary Bureau of Establishment and Training, Mrs Lydia Fajounbo expressed the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration to ensure decent working environment and social justice to enhance productivity of workers for the economic growth of the state
No comments:
Post a Comment