FOLLOWING the threat of a showdown by Labour, the Federal Government has formally approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, following threats of industrial action by Labour unions in the country.
It was gathered that the approval followed a marathon meeting on Tuesday, May 12, presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at the Conference Hall of her office in Abuja.
At the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) reportedly released the circular for the implementation of the allowance, thereby ending almost two years of agitation by workers over the delayed adjustment linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage.
Walson-Jack was said to have underscored the importance of strengthening communication and trust between government management teams and labour unions to avoid unnecessary industrial disputes, noting that while Labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands, government agencies must also create room for dialogue and constructive engagement to sustain industrial harmony.
The Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Nta, and the Labour unions, led by the National Chairman of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Benjamin Uyanto, presented their positions before Walson-Jack intervened to broker an agreement acceptable to all parties.
Uyanto and Nta later commended Walson-Jack for her timely intervention, which they said was crucial in resolving the dispute.
An implementable circular table for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was theresfter officially presented to the JNPSNC leadership, which was later confirmed by its National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, who described the outcome as a major victory for Nigerian workers and a positive step toward improving workers’ welfare.
Gbenga stated that implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, this year, almost two years of workers waiting for its adjustment to reflect the new minimum wage template.
He urged state governments to adopt the circular to enable workers at the state and local government levels benefit from the relief package.
While lamenting the worsening economic conditions facing workers and their dependents, Gbenga said many families were struggling under severe financial pressure.
He recalled that JNPSNC had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial showdown over the matter, accusing NSIWC of initially resisting responsibility until Walson-Jack’s intervention saved the situation and restored confidence among workers.
He assured: “With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace.”
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