Following an extensive meeting and deliberation between the Bayelsa State government and the leadership of the Joint Council of the National Labor Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), a compromise has been reached between the parties.
SaharaReporters learned that the Bayelsa State government agreed to pay 50 percent of the salaries to the State workers who have been striking since February. In February Bayelsa State workers who were owed four months salary, began striking against the government.
The labor leaders also proposed that the Bayelsa State government should negotiate with banks to suspend deductions arising from loans until the economy of the State improves. Otherwise, direct payment should be made to workers.
A communiqué jointly signed by John Bipre Ndiomu, NLC Chairman, and Peter F. Singabele, Bayelsa State Head of Service, reads:
"No disciplinary action shall be taken against any public servant arising from his or her role(s) either by omission or commission geared towards the prosecution of the suspended industrial action by organized labor.
"That labor suspends the strike action in the light of strong appeals and interventions from the State government and other well meaning Bayelsans and in accordance with the tenets of Trade Union Negotiations, as well as to pave the way for further negotiations between the State government and organized labor.
"That organized labor reserves the right to resume strike without prior notice to the State government, if it fails or reneges in any of the terms of this agreement.