By Ehichioya Steve Odion
Sweepers in Edo State today in Benin City protest against what they described as Ill treatment beeing meted out to their members with a lean monthly salary of #17,820 (Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Naira.
The women dressed in their overall work jackets, brandished placards with different inscriptions,such as, "we are tired of 17,820 monthly payment"; increase our salaries," among others.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Madam Gloria Efosa who spoke on behalf of the women said since they started work their salary have remained N17,820 as minimum wage since the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, adding that they have approached the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe several times ,but they were told that they are not part of government workforce.
"Since, 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 take us to go do cleaning for them.
"On Saturday, July 1, after we have finished doing our job, they came and instructed us to go and clean up the refuse 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 to talk about it and that is why we are here.
"With the Nigerian economic situation, what will somebody buy with 17,820. If you have five children ,how do you pay rent, school fees and feed with such amount. That is why we are here, they even blocked us at Urokpota Hall today in attempt to stop us from protesting. 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 and that is why we are here."
She, said one of their colleague was killed on duty on the 18th of April, to2023, and nothing was given to the family as at today.
"One of our colleague 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 till today.
Responding, the Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe told the protester to go about the protest peacefully and not to allow miscreants infiltrate their midst. 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.
Reacting, the General Manager , Edo State Waste Management Board,Mr Charles Imariagbe, said the matter is before them and that they are considering increasing their salary.
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