C’River workers celebrate May Day with grief over failed promises, says NLC chair

•Workers are society’s backbone, says Diri

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Cross River State, yesterday, said workers in the state celebrated ‘May Day’ with grief, following years of unfulfilled promises by the state government.

The labour union disclosed that after much struggle and agitation, the state government, in 2021, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take care of arrears of gratuity and pension, restoration of yearly incremental steps, promotion of workers and many other things, but nothing was put in place.

State Chairman of NLC, Gregory Olayi, who disclosed this at the May Day celebration in Calabar, lamented state government’s unfulfilled promises to the union. He noted that since November 2021, when the MoU was signed, the state government is yet to implement the agreement.

Olayi advised the incoming government of Bassey Otu to honour the agreement signed with labour to restore the yearly incremental steps with effects from January 2022, implement the agreement to set aside N50 million monthly from January 2022 for the payment of gratuities to both state and council retirees and others.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said that workers remain the backbone of society for their invaluable contributions to socio-economic development.

Diri stated this, yesterday, during this year’s Workers Day celebration at the Peace Park in Yenagoa.

The governor said the celebration was a reminder that, with the state government, they collectively fight against poverty, poor healthcare, insecurity and underdevelopment.

He noted that, as a former teacher and worker-friendly governor, his administration is in a better position to tackle challenges that workers face.

His words: “The contributions that workers make to our families, communities, society and economy every day cannot be overlooked or understated.

“As we reflect on what it means to be a worker, this government is mindful that we owe you collective debt of gratitude and acknowledge the fact that you remain the backbone of society; working tirelessly to provide for our loved ones and build a better future for ourselves and those who come after us.”