The Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has declared automatic promotion for all workers in the state civil service, with the exception of those who are newly employed.
He also said he could approve sleeping allowance for them.
Okorocha made the announcement in his address at the 2018 Workers’ Day celebration, which held on Tuesday at Heroes Square in Owerri.
Addressing the workers, the governor said, “I have therefore approved an automatic promotion for all workers of Imo State.
“This automatic promotion means that if you are in Grade Level Eight, you are now in Grade Level Nine.
“This is because since I became governor seven years ago, you have not been promoted.
“Without you, the activities of government would be crippled. You are the engine room behind all our successes.
“I thank you for your patience. You are so dear to me. I can even approve sleeping allowance for you.”
Okorocha said his administration would abide by whatever decision is reached between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress concerning the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The governor said that his administration had approved new salary structure for the workers, though he did not provide the details.
An address read by Paul Akalazu, state chairman, Trade Union Congress, on behalf of Organised Labour in the state, urged the state government to immediately commence payment of 100 percent salaries for all workers and to clear all pension arrears and gratuities of the state’s senior citizens.
“We call on the governor to direct the immediate restoration of 100 percent salary payment to all categories of workers as an appreciation of the sacrifices made by the workers during the economic recession.”Akalazu read.
There was however, a low turnout as many workers stayed away from the event.
