Tension as union demands N50, 000 welfare package for staff

There is an uneasy calm at the Ministry of Interior over request by the workers union for payment of N50,000 to each worker as ‘end of year’ welfare package.

The Joint Union Negotiating Council branch of the Ministry of Interior in a letter dated November 23, 2017 made the demand to the Minister of Interior, through the Permanent Secretary.

The letter titled: Highlights of the Meeting between Staff and Joint Union Negotiating Council of Ministry of Interior, Held on 16th November, 2017 at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry.

The workers in the letter by Comrade Iribom A.K and Comrade Bassey Daniel, chairman and secretary JU, gave 7 working days effective from Monday, 27th November, 2017 as ultimatum. “If there is no positive response from the management, further laid down rules of industrial action would be taken”.

“The Joint Union Negotiating Council met after meeting with staff and decided to request for the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000.00) only as welfare package flat rate for each staff,” the letter read.

Sources at the ministry said officials were struggling with the case as there was no provision for such expenses in the civil service rules. “It’s difficult to source for the fund even as we are negotiating for the possible way out of the crisis,” an official who preferred anonymity said.