NAN-H-118
Pensioners
By Suleiman Shehu
Ibadan, March 1, 2017 (NAN) Mr Waheed Olojede, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Chapter, has decried the poor treatment of pensioners and workers, especially in Oyo State.
Olojede spoke on Wednesday, at the opening of the newly-constructed office of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) located at Agbarigo area, Onireke in Ibadan.
He said that pensioners in Oyo state public service were owed up to five months pension arrears; while retired primary school teachers were owed about 43 months pension arrears.
The chairman said that the government was not even talking of paying their gratuities.
“The workers in the state just received September 2016 salary.
“ The entire workers in the state are not happy the way pensioners are treated and we demand prompt payment of pension arrears.
“ It is unfortunate that serving and retired officers in Oyo State are not having the best of time because of the insensitivity of the state government over the plight of workers.
“Workers will be happy if they are well treated and unhappy if treated otherwise, thereby reducing the degree of efficiency and productivity.’’
Waheed appealed to employers of labour, especially Oyo State government, to have a change of heart, saying labour was crucial for the development of any country.
He assured pensioners that the NLC would continue to stand by them, agitate and dialogue with government until their demands were met.
Earlier, Mr Gbadegesin Akande, Chairman NUP, Oyo State, thanked God for the opportunity to witness the day the union moved to its new office.
Akande said though the office was yet to be completed, the union decided to move in so as to fast-track its development.
He said that the edifice was built solely by the contribution of pensioners and this was to debunk the insinuation going round that the building was financed by the state government.
“ The public was stunned with the pace of work at the office, hence the impression that if not for external support, how could pensioners who are being owed several months of pensions and gratuities be able to put up an edifice like this?
“ The result of prudence, transparency and accountability is what you are seeing in this building and more are still coming.
“ The present executives intend to have pensioners radio station in the state, which is going to be the first labour radio station in the country,’’ Akande said. (NAN)
SYS/MNA/SOA
(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Oluwole Sogunle)