Labour protests downgrading of workers in Bayelsa

The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress ( TUC) in Bayelsa State have kicked against the reduction of workers grade levels and steps by the committee on workers placement and progression in the Bayelsa State civil service.

A statement signed by the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Chairman, Comrade Bipre Ndiomu and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Chairman, Comrade Tari Dounana, said the errors on steps and levels are capable of dampening workers morals which could lead to reduced productivity.

"While labour would not support any illegality, we reaffirm our commitment to the interest of all workers in the state. We therefore, direct workers whose grade levels/steps were unjustly reduced to immediately route their complaints through their respective permanent secretaries to the committee," said the statement.

The labour leaders also called on the state government to implement promotions and annual increment now that the disparity in the grade levels and steps has been addressed.

The statement also drew the attention of the state government to the three months salaries arrears owe workers in the state and appealed to the government to begin modalities to ensure that the arrears are paid immediately.