COMRADE Bolum Martins Nwachukwu is a distinguished labour leader in Delta State, renowned for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the welfare of workers. As the Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, and the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Delta State Council, he has made significant contributions to the labour movement.
Throughout his illustrious career, Comrade Nwachukwu has demonstrated unwavering commitment, and remarkable leadership skills, earning him numerous accolades and recognition.
Recently, another feather was added to his cap, a testament to his exceptional personality and leadership abilities. This achievement further solidifies his position as a formidable leader and a champion of workers’ rights. He stands as the National Internal Auditor of ASCSN at the just concluded delegates’ conference of the union.
Nwachukwu’s impact and astute role as the Director of Human Resources Delta State Contributory Health Commission cannot be over-emphasized.
In a conversation with The Pointer Crew, Ifeanyi Uwagwu, Jumai Nwachukwu, and Chika Kwamba. Comr. Nwachukwu brought to the fore the labour relationship with the state government over the years and how far workers have fared since its creation. Furthermore, he shared insight and strategies the government can apply to better the lives of workers in the state.
How would you describe the relationship between the union and the state government, and how has it helped to foster growth in the state?
The relationship I will say has been very cordial and we have been very lucky to have leaders who are labour-friendly. We have enjoyed a working relationship, so much that whatever applies at the national level we do not find it very difficult to get it adopted and implemented in Delta State.
For so many years, Delta State has been one of the states that pay salaries as and when due, and arrears have been cleared.
Also, we are very lucky as labour leaders to have a listening government. Most of the issues we have taken have been taken care of without having to fight. In Delta State we do not fight to get things done we only discuss and they are done, so we have been very very lucky and that has improvedthe level of development in the state.
The workers of Delta State are very diligent with their work as the government puts effort to create a conducive environment, even as they have given us the state secretariat “Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex and they are trying their best. But, there is still more to do. So far, Delta State is one of the states that have a working relationship with labour.
Recently the State clocked 33 years. What are the key demands of workers in Delta State as the states mark this milestone?
The key demands are very easy and it is rolled into one, to improve workers’ welfare. We do not have issues with payment of minimum wage, it is a national law and Delta State is willing to pay.The improvement of workers’ welfare is what we want the government to look into mostly: economic, political, and social.
Regarding the issue of economic welfare, we want the government to see how they can intervene through the cooperatives in providing social amenities for workers, even food. It would be a good idea if the government could intervene instead of sending palliatives only to the vulnerable groups, we also need it too, because we feed families and have a lot of dependants.
So, if they (The government) can intervene through the cooperatives by bringing in some of these food items like; rice and selling it to workers through our cooperatives, it will go a long way towards our welfare.
In terms of improving workers’ welfare, we still have some teachers complaining that their salaries are not enough, and they no longer receive incentives paid by the government. While others complain of hanging arrears and promotion. What is the union doing about that?
I am surprised to hear that. In Delta State, the Teachers’ Special Structure (TSS) is applied. Teachers even earn more than the civil servants. So, I am surprised to hear you say that they are complaining.
The issue of arrears was cleared some time but some cropped up. They are still discussing with the government. The Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has tried to clear all arrears because he does not want any arrears.
He wants salaries to be paid as and when due and has been working on that. In terms of promotions, you get your promotion letter, about one month before the promotion date so that you can have enough time to process and get your pay.
I think there are a lot of improvements, but to say teachers are complaining, I do not understand that, even when they are earning more than others. Anything that applies on the national applies in Delta State.
Sir, labour as a union has done a lot to protect the interest of workers’ welfare which is not easy. Are there any success stories, you would want to highlight on the welfare of Delta State Workers?
Yes, there are so many success stories. There is no smoke without fire because of the cordial working relationship the unionists have with the government we have been able to get so many things to suit the workers, without having to fight or make noise.
One is the sustainability of paying salaries as and when due. It is only in Delta State when the COVID-19 issue is on, and other states were paying in percentage but, Delta State workers never suffered it, because we have a good working relationship with the government of the day.
Aside from that, just a few weeks ago, the state government approved the release of some further funds to enhance the housing loan and vehicle loan which is a revolving loan. What it was before could no longer go because the price of vehicles, and buildings had gone up, so the government intervened and approved the loan so that the workers could get what they wanted.
The issue of promotional arrears was a dogged and terrible one. Right from the time of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa up to the present government we were able to bring it to a conclusive end, so far and it’s working.
On pensions, the government have paid real attention to releasing so much every month to pensioners and we cleared it. We are even ahead of Lagos state when it comes to the issues of pensions. So the relationship between labour, workers and the state government has been very beneficial to the workers.
We do not have issues with those basic things, all we ask for is further welfare, because there is always more to do, in the MORE Agenda.
Ever since the New National Minimum Wage was passed by the President, we have seen several states key in. What is the Delta State government doing to that effect?
(cuts in)….Instead, say “other states say They Will Key In”. For now, no state has paid the new minimum wage. There is no conspicuous adjustment, so if you say Edo State has paid, what did they pay with?
The chart is not out, so what did they pay with? It may be political, but when the chart comes out we will know whether they actually paid or not.
In Delta State, I must tell you, Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori was willing to follow suit, a few weeks ago he called us (Unionists) to set up a committee that he wants to implement payment, but we asked him to hold on and let the chart come out. We are expecting the chart soon, once the chart comes out he is going to implement it immediately.
You can’t implement without the breakdown or conspicuous adjustment chart. So any state that says they have started paying I do not know what they are paying with, because the conspicuousadjustment chart is not out.
Looking ahead what are the other things in the works that labour is hoping to do or achieve to further improve workers in the state?
Good workingrelationships, creating a conducive working environment, and equity—whatever that is due to the workers, should be gotten without a fight, that is our target and our goal. I must say we are lucky that the state government is a listening one that anytime we go, they listen. However, there is a lot to do, and we talking with them and they are responding.
