Minister of Communication, Shittu felicitates with Oyo labour

* Laments six months of unpaid salaries to state workers
* Nigerian workers, bedrock of nation’s economic growth – Glo

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has sent a solidarity message to the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour
Congress on this year’s edition of Labour Day, even as he laments that the celebration is being done on a empty stomach by the government workers.

The pro-labour politician said the 2017 edition of the day set aside all over the world to celebrate the great workers of the world is a unique one for the Oyo State workers as it mirrors their patience, resilience and unique integrity in the face of an adverse environment.

According to a statement from his media office, Shiitu said that it is disturbing that the state government is owing it’s workers, especially those of the local government areas up to six and nine months salary arrears.

‘’Our workers are suffering. They are hungry and they are deprived of their rights to wages, even as they toil day and night to make the state better.

‘’However, they (workers) should take solace in the fact that there is light at the end of the tunnel, because when we take over in the nearest future, we shall make life comfortable for the workers, who we hold in high esteem’’.

The statement concludes; ‘’We also advise the state government to as a matter of urgency ensure the payment of the arrears being owed our workers, as it has received two huge bail-out funds in the past few months and it behooves on him to fulfil its obligations to the workers forthwith’’.

Meanwhile, Globacom has described Nigerian workers as the bedrock of the nation’s economic growth. The company said in a statement to commemorate Workers’ Day that the resilient spirit of Nigerian workers, in spite of daunting challenges, has been the sustaining force of the country’s economy.

“We salute Nigerian workers on this auspicious occasion and commend them for their hard work, commitment and resourcefulness which have continued to grow and sustain the nation’s economy over the years,” the statement said.

The company urged Nigerian workers to continue to uphold the dignity of labour, even as the company wishes them a Happy May Day celebration.

Globacom said, “the progress that Nigeria has made in different sectors of the economy over the years is mainly attributable to the contributions of the country’s workers,” adding, “they remain the pillar on which the nation’s economy rests firmly.”

The company called on labour unions in the country to charge their members to build a stronger work culture that will engender a more efficient and productive work force. The company said this would potentially lead to the entrenchment of due process and world-class labour standards in the country.

International Workers’ Day (also known as May Day) is a celebration of the international labour movement and left-wing movements. It commonly sees organized peaceful street demonstrations and marches by workers and labour unions throughout most parts of the world.