BY PHILIP EKE, YENAGOA
The leadership of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affliate bodies over the weekend endorsed the “No Work, No Pay” policy of the state government, as part of measures geared towards making the public service more result-oriented.
The organized labour unions in a joint meeting held with Governor Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa, lent support to the government towards the effective implementation of the policy.
In their separate remarks, state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade John Ndiomu and his counterpart of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Tari Dounana, said the policy would go a long way in checking acts of indiscipline such as absenteeism, truancy and politicization of the service.
They also applauded the state government for its decision to commence full payment of salaries to workers with effect from January and urged civil servants to desist from acts that could jeopardise their career in the service.
Expressing satisfaction with the government’s policies and programmes, the labour unions lauded Governor Dickson’s decision to set up committees and sub committees involving representatives of the various unions in addressing issues of the civil service.
Speaking, Governor Seriake Dickson called on the leadership of the various unions to be part of the process in the implementation of the planned reforms, aimed at inculcating work culture and professionalism in the public service.
Assuring workers of that, state the government would strive to meet its salary obligation, as at when due, described 2016 as a very challenging year and gave kudos to the labour unions and workers generally for their show of understanding during the period.
He said the December 2016 salary would be treated as backlog, noting that, in no distant time the government would defray the outstanding arrears of salaries for last year, when the economic situation improves.
According to him, if all stakeholders join hands with the government to implement its policies, particularly in the public service, the government will remain committed to its obligation in the overall development of the state.
He, therefore, called on the NLC and TUC to be part of the reform process of the service in tackling the excesses of workers and entrench work ethics in the public service.
Addressing Government House Correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite commended the labour unions for their endorsement to the “No Work, No Pay” policy and thanked them for their support.
In her remarks, the House Committee Chairman on Establishment, Hon. Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai urged workers to be committed to their duties in order to justify their wages.
