The workers, pensioners and retirees of the Rivers State government have sent a warning to their employers to respond fast to their demands of settling their entitlement or face their wrath as their patience is wanning.
Speaking with newsmen in her office in Port Harcourt, the chairperson of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, Comrade (Mrs) Beatrice Itubo lamented that despite the submission of the Tripartite Report from the interventionist to the Rivers State Government over four months ago, including followed-up letters of reminder, there is no response from the government.
On what could be responsible for the government’s attitude, the chairperson said it was nothing than dishonesty on their part.
“We appreciate all that the governor is doing in the area of infrastructural development of the state but what about the Human Capital Development or stomach infrastructure? she asked.
Comrade Itubo lamented that one would have thought that the state government would listen to the tripartite report of the Government, Labour and the Pensioners which favours all the parties and do the needful but has just discovered that it appears that governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike lacks the political will to settle the payments.
“It is not that the state doesn’t have money or that the debts are not genuine but they don’t just have our time”, she said.
On whether Labour would consider going on strike again, the chairperson said it is a process, adding that when it becomes necessary, she will call out the workers on strike, which she promised to be total this time around.
“It is a process, whenever our patience elapses, we shall begin to roll out our plans which will include strike action as a last resort”.
On the “No Work, No Pay” policy which the governor has been invoking to intimidate striking unions, Mrs. Itubo said that will not hold water with the NLC when they are united and resolute in their action, explaining that though the said clause is in the labour law, the employers on their part are suppose to ensure that whatever would cause a friction in the relationship is avoided by settling the salaries and allowances of its employees as and when due.
The NLC Iron Lady made it known that the clause will not be a threat if they workers move with unity of purpose.
According to her, “Look at the empty and dilapidated state secretariat, people are retiring and dying without their retirement benefits and nobody on the other hand is thinking of replacing the workforce thereby over stretching those still working.
What is the crime of the workers? She asked to no one in particular.
Reminded of the NLC State Secretariat that was built by the Wike administration, Comrade (Mrs) Itubo retorted that it is only an administrative office which does not add value to their welfare.
“They should come and take their building but pay workers their entitlements”, she cried.
She however, expressed hope that the Rivers State Government would see reasons to passionately consider the plight of the suffering workers for God’s sake.
