The Lagos State Government and Labour Union Leaders in the State met on Wednesday under the aegis of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and deliberated on important labour issues that relate to career development and welfare of staff in the State Public service.
The meeting, which was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr. Olawale Musa, who also doubled as the Chairman of the Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council was held at Ikeja.
In his welcome address, Musa reiterated the present administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, stating that the State Government is determined to continue to formulate policies towards improving the quality of life and standard of living of its workers.
Whilst imploring the council to focus on issues that would bring about improvement and efficiency in service delivery, Mr. Musa praised the labour union leaders for sustaining the culture of maturity which has always been the guiding principle in all their deliberations.
He said that the meeting provided a platform to sustain the industrial harmony already being enjoyed in the State, adding that it further demonstrated willingness on the part of the Government to continue to interact and communicate on a regular basis with the Union Leaders.
The Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola disclosed that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just given the go-ahead to commence the process of salary increment for workers of the State whilst at the same approved the distribution of official vehicles to Directors in the State Civil Service.
He assured the delegates of the State Government’s commitment to continue to cooperate and support the Unions in their aspiration for their members whilst also commending them for their dedication and diligence on labour matters.
The Co-Chairman of the Council, Comrade Olusegun Balogun commended the Governor for his steadfastness and unflinching quest of putting the interest of workers at the front burner at all times whilst also appreciating him for his cooperation in meeting workers’ demands whenever they are presented.
Delegates from both Government and Union sides engaged in robust deliberations which were premised on improving the welfare of workers and various memoranda were submitted for consideration in this regard.
Those present at the meeting include the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and Directors in the Civil Service. On the labour side, were the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (Lagos State Branch), Comrade Funmilayo Sessi; the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Lagos State Branch, Comrade Ekundayo, who was represented by the Secretary of TUC, Ololade Gbajumo as well as other labour leaders.
The Joint Negotiating Council meeting is a forum for interaction between the government officials and all the Industrial Unions operating in the State Public Service to address and decide for implementation, issues pertaining to the welfare of the staff as well as to promote industrial harmony in the service.