The attention of the Leadership of the Delta state Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been drawn to a recent directive by the state chairman of NULGE, Comrade David Ofoyeno to local government employees in the state to proceed on indefinite strike over unpaid salaries.
In as much as Congress leadership does not want to join issues with Comrade Ofoyeno over his newest interest, it is very necessary to set the record straight for the benefit of the general public and the concerned local government employees in particular.
Congress wish to clearly state that while it is not in support of persistent non payment of workers’ salaries for up to four months by the relevant government authority, there are however stipulated Industrial Relations processes and procedures for dispute resolution that must be explored before the declaration of industrial action.
Accordingly, Congress under the leadership of Comrade Williams Akporeha is presently progressing discussions with the relevant government authorities in accordance with the enabling Labour Relations best practices and procedures.
It is on record that unattended local government workers welfare including delays in the payment of monthly salaries as at when due has never bothered Comrade Ofoyeno for about eight years as Chairman of NULGE in Delta state. He has always looked the other side while workers suffered in silence.
Consequently, Congress is very curious about the tonic that has moved David Ofoyeno who has never cared so much about workers welfare to now suddenly call out local government workers on strike and recklessly violating labour laws in the process.
As it stands, Comrade David Ofoyeno, acted contrary to the provisions of the international Labour Organisation (ILO) procedures leading to the declaration of industrial action by any trade union even while he has no moral justification to do so having compromised rights and workers welfare for several years.
Congress in Delta state therefore condemn in unequivocal terms the Comrade Ofoyeno’s NULGE strike as it is not only meant to score cheap political point but also ill-advised and very untimely for him to instigate industrial unrest in the state which capable of scutlling the transition programme to usher in the incoming administration.
Therefore, we advise all members of NULGE in Delta state to remain calm and law abiding while we are making concerted efforts with relevant government authorities to address the issue of unpaid local government workers salaries as soon as possible.
COMRADE WILLIAMS AKPOREHA
(Chairman, NLC, Delta State)
