Ogun Assembly workers begin strike over salary, shut down House

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in Ogun State House of Assembly on Thursday locked the Assembly gate as part of its three-day warning strike to press on its demand for the implementation of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) from the state government.

The association said the demand would only place the Assembly workers on the same pedestal with their counterparts in the state judiciary who have been on the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJESS) for about a decade.

The national body had given Governor Dapo Abiodun May 31 ultimatum to meet the demands or risk industrial crisis in the state.

The local chapter on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike over the failure of the state government to consider their demands.

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And on Thursday, the aggrieved workers blocked the entrance of the Assembly complex to show their grievance against the unyielding government.

Speaking to newsmen at the entrance of the Assembly in Abeokuta, the PASAN chairman, Ayotunde Ojediran, noted that the action was important for the staff to register their displeasure with the state government.

The state PASAN chairman also explained that the government was yet to comply with the provision of the State Assembly Service Commission Law, 2018, specifically Sections 10 (2), 13 and 14, and the Statutory Offices (State Emoluments) Amendment Law, 2018.

He noted that the non-compliance had resulted in the non-payment of due salary and allowances to the three most senior officers in the assembly since their respective dates of appointment.

He said, “The union had earlier written a letter to the state government stating all the demands and we issued a 21-day ultimatum to meet the demands but nothing was done till the ultimatum lasted.

“We are presently in negotiation with the state government but as we speak we are yet to reach any meaningful agreement.

“If all these issues are not addressed, it will not be too good for the system. This is an institution but unfortunately people are not enjoying what is due to them.

“We are optimistic that before the expiration of the three-day warning strike, the government will do the needful. I know we have a listening governor who is father to all.

“But if there is no positive response coming from the state government, we will call for an indefinite strike immediately.”