The Organised Labour in Nasarawa state has decried lack of promotions of the entire civil servants in the state since 2011.
Union leaders in the state made the disclosure in Lafia in an event to commemorate the 2021 International Workers-Day.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Yusuf Iya, the state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said workers at both state and local government areas (LGAs) have stayed for over twelve years without promotions and annual increments.
He said the government had failed to implement promotions and annual increments despite provisions in the state public service rules which provides that workers should get annual increments after 12 months be promoted after two, three or four years.
“This has adversely affected seniority and productivity in the service, hence the government should consider addressing it urgently in the interest of industrial peace and harmony,” the NLC chairman added.
Comrade Iya noted that workers at the LGAs level were most affected with challenges of percentage payment, lack of promotions, non payment of gratuity, lack of training, delay in payment.
The NLC boss also condemned the recent attempt by the director general of the state pension board to the effect that promotions not implemented while in active service cannot be considered for computation of retirement benefits.
“The policy is considered unconstitutional, retrogressive, counterproductive and against the principle of natural justice and would be resisted by the union,” he said.
Iya, however commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for abolishing percentage payment at the state level and appealed to him to confirm the appointment of casual staff on the state government’s payroll.
On his part, Comrade Mohammed Umar-Doma, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC) said salaries and other social welfare remained stagnant for the past 12 years due to lack of promotions.
The TUC leader also said workers employed five to six years ago into the service were yet to be confirmed and called on the government to urgently confirm them.
He also appealed to the government to dispose the government quarters to occupants of the houses as part of welfare package to better the living condition of civil servants in the state.
The TUC boss also commended the governor for restoring full payment of salaries for workers and pensioners at the state level and appealed to him to look into the cases of LGA staff and pensioners with a view to addressing their challenges.
In his remarks, the governor represented by Nicholas Aboki, Head of Civil Service, congratulated workers on the occasion of the 2021 celebration.
The governor assured them his administration would continue to do everything possible toward improving the welfare of workers and retirees.
The governor also directed the Head of Service and Civil Service Commission to commence the process of promotion examination for all deserving staff immediately to ensure that all civil servants get their promotion.
The theme of the 2021 workers day is ‘COVID-19 Pandemic: Social and economic crisis, challenges for decent jobs, social protection and people’s welfare.
(NAN).
