By Dipo Olowookere
The industrial action embarked upon by workers in Osun State has been suspended after truce with the state government.
The aggrieved government employees went on strike to compel the administration of Mr Rauf Aregbesola to stop paying half salaries to them.
But on Saturday night, the workers, through their representatives, announced the suspension of the action.
In a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the workers and government’s representatives, it was agreed that the workers and pensioners would be paid their full salaries for December 2017 and the modalities for payment of subsequent salaries from January 2018 would be worked out later.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the workers by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Tunde Adekomi; Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr Bayo Adejumo among others while the, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; the Head of Service, Dr Fetus Oyebade and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola signed on behalf of the state government.
“The state government has further approved henceforth 100 percent payment of monthly pensions for retirees earning N30,000 and below while other retirees not in the said category shall however be paid 75 percent of their monthly pensions.
“The state government shall effect the payment of full salary for the month of December 2017 for its entire workforce and pensioners which is made possible as a result of the Paris Club refund received by the government.
“Modalities for subsequent payment of salaries and pensions between January 2018 and second quarter of the year will be addressed by the standing committee on appropriation on payment of salaries and critical expenses of government.
“Payment of full salaries and pensions will commence by the second quarter of the year 2018,” the agreement disclosed.
Also, the state government approved the release of N1 billion to cover the bond certificates of public servants who retired on contributory pension scheme.
