Edo State Street Sweepers Protest Over Non Payment Of Salary
Street Sweepers in Edo State, on Monday, took to the major streets in the state to demonstrate against non-payment of their monthly salary and poor wages.
Street Sweepers in Edo State, on Monday, took to the major streets in the state to demonstrate against non-payment of their monthly salary and poor wages.
The women and men embarked on the protest to express their grivances over the unpaid N17,800, monthly stipend owned them by the state government.
The women and men who dressed in their overall uniform, and carrying placards with different inscriptions, "we are tired of 17,820 monthly payment"; increase our salaries," among others, called on the government to look into their plight and come to their help.
The leader of the group, Madam Gloria Efosa, speaking to journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, stated that they have been working with the 17,800 minimum wage increased by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, administration.
She told NUJ state chairman that they have approached the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe,concerning the non-payment of their salaries but was told that they were not part of government workforce.
"Since, Godwin Obaseki became governor, we have been working with the minimum wage that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration increased.
"When we went to the General Manager of the Waste Management Board (Mr Charles Imariagbe) he told us that, we don't have employment letters and that Obaseki said that he does not know us as his workers
"But if they want to do anything, they will come and pack us to go do cleaning for them
"On Saturday, July 1, after we have finished doing our job, they came packed us to go and clean up dirty in New Benin Market.
"After they have used us to do the dirty job,we wanted to talk of the poor payment, but they did not allow us talk about it and that is why we are here.
"With the Nigerian economic situation, what will somebody buy with 17,000. If you have five children,how do you pay rent, school fees and feed with #17,000. That is why we are here, they even blocked us at Urokpota Hall.
"A woman blocked us on the road and told us that if we protest to government house,we are going to lose our jobs. We are tired,that is why we are here." She said.
Efosa further explained that one of their colleagues was killed on duty on the 18th of April, 2023 and nothing was given to the family, up till now.
"One of our colleagues was crushed by a hit and run car, while on duty on the 18th of April. She was taken to UBTH mortuary, but they rejected her, because she was badly crushed and nothing has been given to the family." She said.
The Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, told the protesters go about their normal protest peacefully, adding that they should not allow miscreants to infiltrate their midst and hijack the protest.
He also pleaded with them to also give chance for negotiation, if need be.
"You have to go about it peacefully, don't allow those hungry boys infiltrate your midst.You have the right to ask for increment of your salary.
"We will consult the management of the Edo State Waste Management Board for us to hear from them." He said.
The General Manager of Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe, said the matter was before them and that they are considering increasing their take home pay.
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