Labour strike: Oyo, labour form joint negotiation committee
Oyo State government is to constitute a joint fourteen-member negotiation committee with the labour union to address lingering issues responsible for the delay in the payment of outstanding salaries and pension, which led to the ongoing three-week-old industrial action.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, disclosed this during a press briefing at the end of the maiden state executive council meeting, presided over by the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Monday.
According to the commissioner, the committee comprised seven representatives each from the side of state government and the labour union.
Listed as members on the government side were Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli; Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi; Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade; as well as permanent secretaries in the ministries of finance and budget; establishment and service matters, local government and chieftaincy matters, as well as the Accountant-General.
The Deputy National President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, will lead the labour team, which included NLC State Vice Chairman, Comrade Bayo Sodo, Comrade Kofo Abayomi, Comrade A.O Akinfenwa, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, Comrade Nafisat Balogun and Remi Adepoju.
Arulogun said, “The maiden executive council meeting under the leadership of Governor Ajimobi agreed to the formation of the committee to find quick solution to the labour issues and other matters relating to the proposed education initiative.
“Members of the committee would look into the best way possible to offset the accrued workers’ salaries and consider the memoranda so far submitted on the proposed education development initiative.
“It is in the best interest of both parties to find an amicable solution to the issues to restore industrial harmony to the state.”
The commissioner used the opportunity to reassure the people of the state that the Ajimobi-led administration would not renege on his electoral promises aimed at changing the face of the state and fortunes of its people for the better.
He also quoted the governor as having directed the commissioners to go back to their various ministries and carry out radical reforms that would be beneficial to the people of the state.
