The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has expressed reservation for the Public Service Dress Code recently introduced by the State Civil Service through a circular from the Office of the Head of Service.
In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting presided over by the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the welfare of workers in the state, SEC in session reaffirmed that the extant Public Service Rules remained the guiding document on the issue of decent dressing within the public service.
It held that some of the specifics outlined in the circular were not fully in consonance with the provisions of the Public Service Rules and unanimously resolved that workers should avoid dressing indecently or shabbily to work, while calling for a review of the prescribed specifics on dressing to ensure clarity, fairness, and practicality across all cadres of the service.
SEC in session urged stakeholders to always consult the leadership of the NLC before reaching resolutions affecting workers in the state, stressing the need for government to empower all categories of workers to dress like Law Officers, Protocol Officers, and staff of the House of Assembly, among others.
In the communique, signed by the State Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat, SEC in session commended the Congress Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, for the proactive steps taken so far, reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagements, industrial harmony, and the overall progress of Delta State, while standing firm in defending the rights, dignity, and welfare of workers and pensioners.
It appreciated the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for releasing N10 billion for the payment of pensioners, noting that the gesture demonstrated government’s commitment to the welfare of retirees who had dedicated their active years to the service of the state, and urged the state government to go the extra mile to clear backlogs of arrears of pension.
SEC in session unanimously recognized the existence of Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria in Delta State and condemned the reported harassment of its members.
While Labour was not in support of lawlessness or recklessness of members of the association, it insisted that the rights of duly recognized unions must be respected, and condemned the letter written by the SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu, to the Police and the Army.
SEC in session called for an immediate halt to the harassment of the Union members, warning that continued intimidation might place Government and Labour on an avoidable collision course.
