Rivers Workers To Get Pay Before Xmas

Organised labour in the Rivers State Public Service has suspended the proposed industrial action following the timely intervention of the Head of Service, Barr Samuel LongJohn.
A communiqué issued at the end of a meeting between the Head of Service and representatives of labour Unions signed on behalf of the Head of Service by the Permanent Secretary in the Establishment Bureau, Mr. Asoelu Gayamus Ogo and the Chairman of the Joint State Public Service Negotiating Council (JSPSNC), Comrade Emecheta Chukwu, stated, among other things, that November and December salaries would be paid before the 25th of December, 2014 while all third party deductions should be remitted promptly to appropriate bodies as soon as salaries are paid.
It further stated that outstanding check off dues for October and November should be paid to the respective labour Unions before the 25th of December while other issues concerning the welfare of workers would be handled expeditiously.
To avoid future rift between the State Government and labour, it was resolved that quarterly meetings should be held between the Office of the Head of Service and the Joint State Public Service Negotiating Council to feel the pulse of workers and address issues as they arise.
The communiqué emphasized the need for dialogue in resolving grievances and commended the Head of Service for his concern for the welfare of workers and the sustenance of the present industrial peace in the State.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman and Secretaries of the Joint State Public Negotiating Council, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the Nigeria Civil Service Union, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, the Joint Health Workers Union and the Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretarial and Stenographic Union.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Civil Service Union and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria had on different occasions given a seven day ultimatum to the State Government to address issues bordering on the welfare of workers especially the delay in the payment of monthly salaries.

Executive Vice Chairman, Moni Pulo, Mrs Seinye Lulu Briggs (right) with Mrs Margaret Alabraba at the Garden City Corporate Award, organised by Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Port Harcourt. Phot Egberi A. sampson