by Lekan Olanrewaju

Civil servants in Oyo state on Tuesday announced that the indefinite strike they are currently on will continue. This was due to their rejection of the new minimum wage and salary scheme previously presented  to labour union leaders.

The workers alleged there was no significant difference between the new N19,987 minimum wage table and the old scheme. The workers also demanded the implementation of the new federal tax regime to save them from excessive taxes.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Bashir Olanrewaju, and his Joint Negotiating Council counterpart, Nurudeen Arowolo spoke on the issue saying: “The government must give the workers in the state a living wage and not poverty wage. The strike that was declared is indefinite as the governor is not ready to bow to pressure by meeting the demand of workers.”

The Oyo state government however threatened that striking workers would be subjected to the “no work, no pay” rule.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide, the government announced that it had a record of all workers and those who joined in the strike action would be made to deal with the consequences.

“Governor Ajimobi has proved his commitment to the welfare and total well-being of the workers in many ways since the inception of his administration.” the statement read. “First, he moved Oyo State workers from the least paid in the Southwest to a much higher level. He also approved training for workers and has started upgrading facilities in ministries to ensure that workers perform their duties in an encouraging environment.

The governor offered the least paid staff on GL 01 who used to earn N10,876.47 the sum of N19,987 and the highest paid staff on GL 17 who used to earn N72,004 N139,440.55.”