Ekiti State Government has again slashed the salaires of political office holders and accounting officers for three months as a result of shortfalls in the federal allocation to the state
Also Government has suspended the payment of consequential adjustment for workers from Grade level 7 and above which commenced in January 2021 for same three months.
This followed the sigining of memorandum of understanding on the agreement reached between representatives of government and labour leaders state administrative council on the state finance..
Under the M.O.U, running grant to Government offices on monthly basis has been reduce while the economic review committee would henceforth meet monthly to keep labour abreast of the financial position of the state.
Addressing newsmen shortly the signing the Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and understanding expressing optimism that Ekiti would successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.
She equally promised that government would adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement reached with the workers to ensure a peaceful industrial harmony in the state.
The Chairman Joint Negotiating council, Mr Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated politicians for such sacrifice and also government for making efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.
The Chairman Joint Negotiating Council Mr Kayode Fatomiluyi, noted that the unfortunate situation has proportionately affected the living standard of workers hence the need for govt to keep to its promise.
The chairman Trade Union Congress,Mr Sola Adigun who read the M.O.U said it was agreed that govt would not downsize the workforce as a result of financial challenges facing the state.
He added: “The labour leadership believes in dialogue and subjecting itself to arguments logically and scientifically and bowing to superior argument. We urge the government to adhere strictly to this agreement.”
Governor Kayode Fayemi had approved the reduction in salaries of political office holders in April 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to ensure continuous payment of workers’ salaries amidst economic challenges posed by the public health situation.
