TUC Seeks Consultation with Delta Government on 13th-Month Salary Implementation Framewor
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, has welcomed the Delta State Government’s approval of a 13th-month salary for civil servants but has called for immediate consultations with organised labour to establish a transparent and sustainable framework for implementing the welfare policy.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the TUC in Delta State, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, the union described the government’s decision as a significant milestone in workers’ welfare and a positive response to a long-standing demand by public servants across the state.
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The TUC commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for introducing the initiative, describing it as a recognition of the dedication, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of civil servants to the growth and development of Delta State.
However, the union expressed concern that the announcement of the policy was made without prior consultation with recognised labour unions, stressing that such engagement is essential for ensuring clarity, transparency, fairness, and the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
According to the union, consultation with organised labour would provide an opportunity for both parties to jointly develop a comprehensive implementation framework that clearly defines how the policy will operate.
The TUC specifically called for an urgent meeting with the Delta State Government to address critical issues surrounding the payment of the 13th-month salary, including eligibility requirements, the components of the payment, methods of computation, and the timeline for annual disbursement.
The labour body noted that early engagement would also help safeguard the continuity of the policy regardless of future economic realities or changes in government administration, thereby protecting workers’ interests over the long term.
The statement further emphasised that meaningful dialogue between government and organised labour aligns with internationally accepted principles of collective bargaining and social dialogue, which are essential for introducing new remuneration packages or changes to workers’ conditions of service.
According to the TUC, involving labour representatives from the outset would enhance transparency, strengthen industrial harmony, minimise misinformation, and prevent unnecessary disputes arising from conflicting interpretations of the policy.
“The introduction of new remuneration or changes to workers’ conditions of service should be implemented through consultation with recognised labour unions in line with internationally accepted principles of collective bargaining,” the union stated.
While reiterating its appreciation to the Delta State Government for what it described as a progressive workers’ welfare initiative, the TUC pledged its commitment to collaborating with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the policy.
The union urged Governor Oborevwori’s administration to convene a meeting with the leadership of organised labour at the earliest opportunity to agree on the detailed structure and implementation guidelines for the 13th-month salary.
According to the TUC, such consultations will reinforce mutual trust between government and labour, promote fairness and accountability, and ensure that all eligible workers benefit from the initiative in a transparent, equitable, and sustainable manner.
Labour stakeholders believe that a clearly defined implementation framework will not only guarantee the credibility of the policy but also strengthen confidence among civil servants while promoting industrial peace across Delta State.
The union reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the government in advancing policies that improve workers’ welfare and contribute to the continued socio-economic development of Delta State.
