Ebonyi State Government says it has complied fully with the New Minimum Wage Act.
The Governor was reacting to the strike embarked upon by some Workers in the State.
Addressing Journalists in his office, Governor Nwifuru wondered why some Labour leaders misinformed the workers to embark on strike even when Government had commenced full implementation of the New Minimum wage
He described the action as unnecessary and a deliberate attempt to embarrass the government.
“As a government, we are to obey the law. We must respect the provisions of the Constitution.
“And the law says the minimum wage must be 70,000.
“I have exceeded the nationally agreed #70,000 with an additional #5000.
“I have not had issues with the Labour and before becoming the Governor, I knew some realities in the light of the economic uncertainties we are faced.
“This is the reason I added 20000, wage allowances, and bought vehicles for the Labour.
“To assist the workforce, we provided CNG buses to convey the workers to their offices and back at no cost”
“The law passed by the National Assembly is Minimum Wage, not salary increments.
“Cognisant of the current situation, I increased the minimum wage to 75, 000.
“I am surprised they are part of the strike. “
The Governor said apart from the full implementation of the new minimum wage, his administration has been consistent in improving the welfare of workers.
“As I speak, we are not owing pension and gratuities.
“I am shocked that our state joined the strike”.
The Governor urged workers to return to work warning that only those available at their duty posts will receive salaries.
Dr. Monday Uzor
