Delta Govt Slashes Workers, Appointees’ Salaries Amid Coronavirus In Delta

The Delta state government led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has announced a slash in the salaries of civil servants and political appointees in the state for the period of six months following the outbreak Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Naija News that the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Mr Chiedu Ebie, disclosed this at a joint press conference with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) chairman, Mr. Martins Bolu, Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Boyoku, in Asaba.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government said other staff entitlements such as promotion, allowances and advancement were not affected, adding that the Organised Labour was consulted before the announcement, adding that the proposed wage review was a painful and difficult decision, but inevitable in the current circumstances.

The SSG said: “It’s only applicable to political appointees and workers on grade level 7 and above, and does not affect workers on salary grade 1-6 and frontline medical personnel.

“It’s not repudiation of the payment of the new Minimum Wage in the state, but a temporary measure that will be lifted as soon the economy improves which we hope will be within the next six months

“We, therefore, urge the state workforce and political appointees to see this as a necessary sacrifice and contribution by them towards cushioning the effects of the coronavirus on the finances and overall economy of the state.”