Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said his government is ready to pay the new minimum wage but the state would need to double its Internally Generated Revenue to make it happen.
He revealed this as he inaugurated a committee to work out the modalities for the implementation of the minimum wage for all workers in the state in his office.
According to him, he is committed to the new minimum wage.
He added that he will never stop paying full workers’ salaries as at when due because the welfare of workers is key to his government.
“I thank the leadership of labour for their level of cooperation in the last one year. You made my transition from Chief of Staff to Governor very simple. The welfare of workers is very important to me. That’s why we pay their salaries promptly and in full.
“We’re committed to paying the new minimum wage. But we need to now double up our IGR. It is very important to collectively drive the IGR because it is the only source for payment of the minimum wage.”
“Thank God we’ve spent one year without rancour, no strike. We’ll work together to have a safe landing that will be acceptable to the two parties. I’m delighted to see this committee being inaugurated.”
“In line with the common tradition of labour, it’s important that whenever there is a new minimum wage it is important that it is renegotiated. That is why a committee to work out implementation of the minimum wage is being inaugurated today.”
Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Bayo Adejumo also said, “Our amiable Governor is not new to labour and he is not new to negotiation. He has been handling labour matters in the last nine years, particularly in the area of negotiation. We enjoyed good support and disposition from him. This accounts for the kind of rapport we have with him. It also accounts for the support we gave to his candidature.
“Today we are happy that we have no regret supporting his emergence. Most of the agreements we entered during the time are being implemented now by his administration.
“While commending you for prompt payment of salaries in full, we assure you that this negotiation will not be a war type. We will apply scientific negotiation in a very conducive manner. We have absolute confidence in your leadership.”
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