Ondo Govt Clarifies Labour Unions Part Of Agreement To Pay Workers Salaries In Percentages

By Ayodele Oni

Percentage payment of workers’ salaries in Ondo State received the approval of labour unions in the State, the State Government has clarified.

The State Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, told Journalists on Tuesday in Akure that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu only approved agreement reached with the labour unions.

Apparently reacting to an allegation by the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) south west, that Governor Akeredolu has morgaged workers welfare, the head of service urged the general public to disregard the allegation.

“Workers should not allow themselves to be used by political parties and politicians for any political gains.

“The present Government prioritizes the welfare of workers, considering what it has done in the payment of six months’ salary out of seven months arrears owed workers by the past administration.

“The financial situation of the State, occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic, which ravaged the world economy thereby causing the Federal Allocation accrueable to the state to drastically go down.

“The fact should be told that Mr. Governor does not interfere nor get involved in the allocation of funds for payment of workers’ salary and pension.

“This is usually being done by the Leaders of Labour Union in the State in collaboration with critical stakeholders based on the available resources at the end of each month.

“It is hoped that the State will overcome the present trying time as soon as possible, therefore workers are enjoined to continue to bear with the present administration.

“The payment of percentage salary on monthly basis due to paucity of fund is done through the office of Head of Service and all the relevant Labour Unions in the State.

“The allocation to the State from Federation account shared into various salary sections including subvention to tertiary institutions in the state.

“It is after the agreement between the office of HOS and the Labour that we present the resolutions to Mr. Governor for approval.

“I wish to advise workers not to allow any political party or politicians to create chaos between workers and government.  They are not to use workers wages as means of settling scores among themselves.

“We are all aware of the precarious financial situation of government caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which affects finances of government globally. Ondo State is not excluded.

“I wish to reiterate that government has never used our salaries or state fund to settle any judgment as wrongly alleged in a publication.

“Government has always prioritized the welfare of workers in the state through promotion exercise that is ongoing and various loans – Car Loan and Housing Loan are being enjoyed by workers.”