Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has been urged to prevail on management of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, to pay staff of the commission their outstanding 30 percent salary cut since 2009 and end of year bonuses.
Delta State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, in a statement in Warri by the Chairman, Lawrence Otueroro, also appealed for salary increase, adding that entitlements due for pensioners should also be cleared.
He said: “Your Excellency, it might interest you to know that despite your commitment to improve the welfare of workers, the issue of minimum wage has not been properly addressed at DESOPADEC.
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“Our demands include the immediate payment of the outstanding 30 percent salary cut since 2009, overdue end-of-year bonuses, a review of salary structures in light of current economic realities, equitable promotion practices without discrimination, provision of medical allowances or treatment facilities, and a commitment to uphold labour rights within the commission.”
The union decried alleged harassment of its officials in the commission and transfer of some of them outside the commission’s headquarters as a strategy to weaken the body, adding that some employees had been allegedly denied promotion over involvement in union issues.
“Such practices not only violate labour laws but also create an atmosphere of fear among staff members advocating their rights. Attempts by the union to negotiate better conditions have often been met with stiff resistance from the board and management, further exacerbating tensions,” he remarked.
