Once again, as we commemorate Workers' Day, it prompts us to reflect on the state of affairs for workers in Delta State. The question arises: is there truly anything worth celebrating for these workers amidst their ongoing struggles with harsh living conditions?
The past year has undeniably been one of the most challenging periods for workers, particularly in Delta State. Despite the substantial federal allocation received by the state, the government's response to the welfare of its workers has been disheartening.
During the initial three months, workers received a meagre sum of N10,000:00, a stark contrast to the comprehensive palliative packages implemented by other states. These packages included salary awards and provisions such as transportation assistance, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by workers.
In 2023, the NLC and Trade Union Congress entered into an agreement with the Federal Government where the latter agreed to pay a N35,000 wage award to workers for six months, as well as review the minimum wage in 2024.
The State Governments were also supposed to implement the wage award. However, to date, Delta State has refused to implement the wage award despite receiving substantial federal allocation.
In December 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State approved a wage award of ₦35,000 for all civil servants in the state. The wage award serves as a palliative allowance to alleviate hardship while the national minimum wage undergoes review.
The Kano State Government into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to provide a ₦20,000 palliative to all state employees.
Recently, the Governor of Edo State approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants in the state. Additionally, he pledged to increase the monthly salary of workers to over ₦70,000 if the Federal Government approves a new minimum wage for its employees.
The case of Delta State exemplifies the dire situation faced by workers. Despite receiving substantial revenue from federal allocations, the state has neglected its workforce. This failure to prioritize workers' welfare is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of the Constitution, which mandates governments to ensure the well-being of all citizens. Workers in Delta State are left disenfranchised and vulnerable, with their basic needs unmet due to the government's negligence.
The Delta state government is distorting the payment of promotion arrears, a statutory entitlement for civil servants, by labeling it as a palliative for workers. This rebranding of promotion arrears is a troubling manipulation of a statutory entitlement. Similarly, the clearance of the backlog of pensions, a statutory entitlement for retirees, is being touted as an accomplishment by the state government.
In these contexts, the role of the labour union becomes paramount, as it is entrusted with advocating and fighting for the welfare of its members, especially in times of economic hardship.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State appears to lack resolute leadership. Under the current leadership, workers have seen minimal progress in addressing their concerns. Instead of championing the rights of workers, there are allegations of leadership prioritizing personal gains through negotiations with the government. The irony of a leader receiving a brand-new SUV from the government while workers struggle in silence epitomizes the disconnect between leadership and the workforce. Regrettably, this disparity has led to a sense of disorientation among workers, rendering them unable to hold the state government accountable.
As we mark this Workers' Day, it serves as a crucial opportunity for workers in Delta State to reassess and reinvigorate their union. There is an urgent need for renewed leadership that prioritizes the genuine interests of workers and advocates tirelessly on their behalf. It is imperative that the union regains its strength and becomes a forceful voice for workers, ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded. Only through collective action and steadfast determination can workers in Delta State hope to see meaningful change and truly celebrate the essence of Workers' Day.
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