Workers in Bayelsa State Government payroll are henceforth to receive half of their total emolument every month until the Federal Revenue Allocation to the state which presently stood at no less than N3billion improves.
This was part of the agreement reached between government and representatives of organised labour in the state after a marathon meeting on Monday.
A  communique issued stated that, “Labour has accepted the position of the state government to pay 50 per cent of monthly salaries to workers  from February, 2016, and expects the government to effect full payment of the remaining 50 per cent of workers’ salaries as soon as the allocation from the federal account accruing to the state improves.
“Labour equally states clearly that the 50 per cent of salaries payable to workers is not a downward review of workers’ salaries. That is to say, that the outstanding 50 per cent shall be paid as soon as the federal allocation to the state improves to complete the monthly salaries of workers.”
Both parties agreed that “In line with the on-going payment of January, 2016, salaries to workers, government should facilitate the process of payment of salaries to the outstanding MDAs and parastatals, including pensioners without further delay.”
It was further agreed “That a monthly meeting should be scheduled between labour and government, in order to have a joint review of the economic recovery of the state; in view of the state government’s policy on the payment of primary school teachers, labour should commence the process of negotiating with the Government on the way forward.”
Bayelsa State Government as part of the agreement to negotiate with banks to suspend deductions arising from loans taking by civil servants, until the economy of the state improves or otherwise direct payment should be made to workers.
“No disciplinary action shall be taken against any public servant arising from his or her role(s) either by omission or commission geared towards the prosecution of the suspended  part of the  industrial action by organized labour.”
The communique was signed on behalf of government by the Head of Service, Dr Peter F. Singabele, and the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, while NLC Chairman, Comrade John Ndiomu, and TUC Chairman, Comrade Tari Dounana, signed  for the workers.
The Tide recalls that the state government has been unable to meet workers’ salary
In the past five months, while those of local government council has been without salary for up eight months.