The workers had yesterday snubbed a meeting initiated by foremost traditional rulers in the state.
The monarchs, under the aegis of Ogun State Council of Obas, who had gathered at Abeokuta, were the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
When it became clear that the workers would not show up, the monarchs, urged them to suspend the strike in the interest of peace, progress and development of the state.
Expressing disappointment at refusal of Labour leaders to attend the parley, the Obas alleged that the unions were being sponsored by some politicians to “cause chaos in the state”.
The Olu of Ilaro said “This is very disrespectful and disappointing of the workers.
“The Paramount Rulers and all Obas in Ogun State are not in support of any call by the organised labour to call workers out to embark on any action at a critical time in the history of our nation.
“Strike is not the solution to the problem confronting the nation as the critical productivity sectors of the State will suffer.
“The organised labour are enjoined to show understanding and perseverance during this recession period with the state government that is striving within its means to ensure that salaries are paid regularly as at when due, compared to their contemporary in other states being owned several months of unpaid salaries.
“We also frowned at the shameful and embarrassing conduct of one of the workers unions during the Teachers Day celebration on 5th October, 2016 in the state where a mere celebration of Teachers was turned to political platform.
“We wonder why serving civil servants will turn themselves to politicians. This is not the time to strike. Strike will not resolve anything, it will only cause more problems.
“This is the time for us all to assist, support and cooperate with the government to develop the State.
“Yes, we are aware that what they are fighting for is their legitimate right and the government is not saying it won’t pay, but they should be more patient with the Governor and give him more time.
“We are all affected by the economic hardship of the country. Even our own allocation has gone down by more than 50 per cent. We are not isolated by the situation.”
In his remark, Oba Adetona, said: “If the strike is motivated by agents from outside the State for them to throw this State into chaos, then it is just too bad.
“It is also unfortunate that the labour have refused to give us the opportunity to address them, to ask them questions and to ask whether the Governor has been fulfilling his pledge.”
Recall that Ogun government vowed to invoke ‘no work, no pay, on any worker who does not resume at work.
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