For failing to implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the management of the Delta State House of Assembly, members of the Delta State chapter of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Monday, locked out staff and members of the House of Assembly from entering the premises of the Assembly complex.
According to reports, the two gates leading to the complex were locked, preventing most workers from gaining access to the premises.
The union had demanded the immediate removal of the Clerk of the Assembly, provision of housing and car loans to staff, training and retraining of staff and the amendment of the House of Assembly Service Commission Law.
According to state chairman of the union, Mr McCarthy Obrotu, the management of the Assembly refused to implement the MoU signed by the negotiating team from the Assembly and the union.
Obrotu said: “Since Jauary 20, both parties signed an MoU and till date, the House has refused to implement the MoU.
“We have written severally, reminding the House of the MoU, but as I am speaking with you now, the House has refused to implement our request.
“Out of the 15 demands we listed in the MoU, it is only the outfit allowance that has been implemented.”
However, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Peter Onwusanya, while reacting to the lock out, said: “we have met all the agreement in the MoU”, condemning the action of the union as no notice was served on the management.
“They erred by locking the gate without serving notice to the appropriate authority,” Onwusanya said.
The Speaker appealed to members and the Assembly workers to resume duty on Tuesday to enable both parties settle their differences.
“I am calling for a meeting between the management of the Assembly and the union because the management is not aware of their grievances.
“This meeting will enable us hear what their grievances are and how to resolve such grievances,” the Speaker said.
Comments