Workers Protest Wage Disparity: Gov Aiyedatiwa Says: “Allow Them To Protest”

By Ayodele Oni

Workers of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) on Thursday, shut offices, protesting over disparity in  the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The protesting staff of ODIRS, who are majorly junior staff are kicking against the contrast between the lavish compensation of senior executives and the meagre wages of junior staff in the establishment.

The workers, who took control of the  office premises as early as 8am, blocked the major road and other offfices, complaining about their non inclusion in the payment of the minimum wage.

Armed with placards of various inscriptions, they vowed not to return to their various offices until the matter is resolved.

According to the workers, the management had been briefed about the disparity but that nothing was done over the matter which prompted open confrontation.

They alleged the management of the ODIRS of insensitive to the plight of its workers and accusing them of embezzlement.

The workers called on the state government to urgently look into their demands in order not to down tools, saying they deserve a better remuneration.

While responding, Special Adviser to Ondo Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, said the protest is a minor issue, which will be resolved soon and assured the protesting workers that the state government will urgently address their demands.

“This protest is a minor issue because all core civil servants, including local government employees, parliamentary staff, and political appointees, have received their salaries.

The affected workers of the ODIRS are from the private sector, not public servants, but the governor directed yesterday that they should not be paid the old salary but the new minimum wage.

“We asked for their demands, but they provided none. We are unsure of the protest’s motivation. Normally, they should have submitted a formal letter of demand to the government.

“The governor who is currently in Abuja called some few minutes ago, instructing us not to force them out but to allow them to protest.

“The minimum wage approval will be signed within the next 30 minutes. There is no salary problem in Ondo State. If they have unresolved issues with their management, they need to present their demands formally”

He frowned at the no prior notice over the protest saying “the governor was very concerned upon hearing about it yesterday, which is why he instructed us to be here early today.

“I arrived at 7am with representatives from all organized labor unions in the state. We came to listen and address them. When the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) arrived, we reviewed the salary details, and the governor’s directive was signed immediately.

“We are here to communicate with them, pass necessary information, and resolve any outstanding management issues. This is the first time such a protest has happened, and we are ready to engage with them in good faith”