The association argues that this demand would place the Assembly workers on an equal footing with their counterparts in the state judiciary who have been benefiting from the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJESS) for about a decade.
The national body of PASAN had earlier given Governor Dapo Abiodun a May 31 ultimatum to meet the demands or face the risk of an industrial crisis in the state. The local chapter commenced the three-day warning strike on Wednesday due to the failure of the state government to consider their demands.
On Thursday, the aggrieved workers blocked the entrance of the Assembly complex as a demonstration of their grievance against the unresponsive government.
Chairman of PASAN in Ogun State, Ayotunde Ojediran, explained to the press at the entrance of the Assembly in Abeokuta that the action was necessary for the staff to express their dissatisfaction with the state government.
He pointed out that the government had not complied with the provision of the State Assembly Service Commission Law, 2018, specifically Sections 10 (2), 13, and 14, as well as the Statutory Offices (State Emoluments) Amendment Law, 2018.
Ojediran highlighted that the non-compliance had led to the non-payment of salaries and allowances to the three most senior officers in the assembly since their respective dates of appointment.
He stated, "The union had earlier written a letter to the state government stating all the demands, and we issued a 21-day ultimatum to meet the demands, but nothing was done during that period."
While negotiations with the state government were ongoing, no meaningful agreement had been reached. Ojediran expressed optimism that the government would take necessary action before the expiration of the three-day warning strike, as Governor Abiodun is known to be responsive. However, he cautioned that if a positive response was not received, an indefinite strike would be called immediately.
The strike action by PASAN highlights the grievances of the Assembly workers who feel that their demands for salary structure implementation have been overlooked. Their insistence on the CONLESS is fueled by the desire for equal treatment with their counterparts in the state judiciary.
The locking of the Assembly gate serves as a visible symbol of their discontent and emphasises the urgency of the matter.
The PASAN chairman's remarks underscore the importance of addressing the issues promptly to avoid disruption to the system. The Assembly is an institution where workers should rightfully receive what is due to them. The negotiations between PASAN and the state government present an opportunity for a resolution that would benefit all parties involved.
As the three-day warning strike progresses, the hopes of the PASAN members rest on a positive response from the state government. They anticipate that their demands will be addressed and the necessary steps are taken to rectify the non-compliance with the relevant laws. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the course of action for PASAN.