Bwari Area Council improves staff welfare – NULGE

The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Bwari Area Council chapter, says the council has improved the welfare of its workers since 2020.
Its chapter Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ishaku, said this on Wednesday at the union’s congress in Bwari, Abuja.
Ishaku, who described staff welfare as better package, said that most lingering issues had been addressed due to the union’s synergy with the council management,
He said that the management of the council was also committed to addressing issues such as non-payment of cooperative deductions of staff, benefits for deceased members of staff as well as critically ill staff.
He said that the union had during the COVID-19 period assisted the council in procuring non-pharmaceutical items and distributed bags of rice to members of staff as palliative measures to the pandemic.
“We have been able to acquire a Sienna bus for the use of members and we have the support of the council’s chairman of the council, Mr John Gabaya.
“Gabaya has assured us and promised to prioritize outstanding issues that relate to payments once the council has the funds to do it.
“Things have drastically improved and members are being encouraged,’’ union’s boss said.
According to him, the union has also discussed other pending issues pertaining non-payment of salaries to some staff members, pensions and National Housing Scheme remittance with the management of the council.
He said the union had been able to fight for prompt implementation of promotion, adding that payment of promotion arrears was also being looked into by council’s management.
“The union is still fighting for the 40 per cent salary increase for staff, in order to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
“Other pending matters to be addressed by management include implementation of hazard allowance for health workers in the council and construction of public toilets in designated areas.
“All these are what we hope and expect will see the light of the day,’’ Ishaku said.
According to him, the union has been unable to achieve success towards acquiring a loan for members considering the interest rate policies.
He noted that the union would continue to do its best to achieve its desired goal.
Mr Philip Akuso, one of the council’s members of staff, commended the union’s efforts in ensuring that management addressed lingering issues affecting staff welfare and promotion.
Akuso said although staff welfare had improved but there was need for a better working condition to enhance productivity.