Workers in Anambra State are displeased as the approval of the minimum wage increase has delayed payment of their January 2020 salaries.
The general practice of payment date has been on or before the 25th of each month of the year, however, up until the 29th of January, workers are yet to receive their pay.
Correspondence of The PUNCh gathered from a worker who stated that the entire state is eagerly waiting for the governor, Willy Obiano, to keep up with the trend of paying salaries on or before the 25th and to also fulfil his promise in approving the minimum wage.
He said,
“We had thought the governor would have sustained the trend of paying salaries on or before 25th of each month. We had also expected him to fulfill his promise of paying the new wage before the 26th of January.
“The change has destabilised some of us, more so after the Christmas expenditure.”
Mr Harry Udu, the Head of Service, in a circular, explained that the reason for the delay in payment of January salaries was caused by the computation of the new minimum wage.
The circular read in part,
“The approval of the new minimum wage is sequel to the agreement between Governor Willie Obiano and organised labour on January 24.
“We urge workers to exercise patience as payment will proceed as soon as the computations were over in their own interest.”
Jerry Nnubia, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress stated that negotiations with the government were concluded on January 24.said, which explains why there have been delays.
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He said;
“We finished the negotiation on the new minimum wage with the government on 24th of January.
“Government needs to study the new table and consequential adjustments in the payroll. That can take a little time. I believe between now and the end of the week everything will be sorted out.”