Workers in Osun have expressed dissatisfaction over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s failure to implement the newly approved minimum wage especially as governors of many other states have approved the increase.
In a chat with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, October 21, some workers in the state aired their frustration with the state government.
Investors King reported that some states including Lagos, Rivers, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, among others, have announced an increased in the minimum wage of civil servants.
In Ondo State for instance, on Saturday, October 12, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a new minimum wage of N73,000 for civil servants in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who revealed the new wage during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off in Ondo West Local Government Area, stated that the government has implemented measures, including training programs and timely salary payments, to motivate civil servants.
Similarly, workers in Kogi State received a significant boost in their wages.
During the unveiling ceremony of the new minimum wage on Monday, October 7, Governor Ododo announced an immediate salary increase of N72,500 for civil servants in the state.
Ododo added to the excitement of the workers by announcing a one-year suspension of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax.
However, in Osun State, the workers revealed that they had waited patiently with hopes that the state government would implement the new wage.
The workers emphasized that the payment of the newly approved wage was long overdue and leaving the workers battling with more hardship.
According to Opemipo, a worker in the state, the economic hardship was becoming unbearable for civil servants in the state.
She urged Governor Adeleke to implement the new wage without delay to lift the burden off the workers.
She said, “I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighbouring states have implemented theirs, and I wonder what is delaying our own.
”This economic hardship is becoming unbearable, and I appeal to Gov. Adeleke to act fast.”
Another civil servant in the state emphasized that the delay was becoming worrisome.
To him, the new wage may be small, however, it will be of great help to the workers.
He noted that the government is yet to even negotiate the new wage to be paid to the state’s workers.
He ended by saying that the delay reflects the government’s lack of commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
He said, “We are worried over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage might be, at least it will assist in fixing one or two things.
“But now that the government is not coming forth with what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us.
“States like Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun and others have implemented theirs, why Osun?.
“This shows a lack of commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
“I hope the state government will come out on time to let the workers know their fate.”
The cries of the Osun State workers comes despite assurance by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, that the minimum wage committee would soon complete its assignment.
Meanwhile, The organized labour has expressed dissatisfaction with the continued delay in the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers by some state governors.
A labour leader who spoke with journalists revealed that the union has agreed to wait until the end of October, adding that they will take appropriate action after the ultimatum.
