The Joint Labour Movement of Osun has commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for approving the payment of workers' half-salary arrears as well as the payment of backlogs of pensions to retirees.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairmen of the NLC in Osun, Mr Jacob Adekomi, that of the Trade Union Congress, Mr Adekola Adebowale and Mr Lasun Akindele, chairman of, the Joint Negotiating Committee in Osogbo.

The chairmen described the governor’s gesture as unprecedented.

“The Joint Labour Movement appreciates the kind gesture of Gov. Adeleke in approving welfare packages for workers and retirees on Jan. 31.

“The payment of salary arrears, contributory pensions, half salary arrears, cash backing of promotion exercises and most importantly outstanding deductions will boost the morale of public servants and renew hope in retired officers.

“The Labour Movement on behalf of workers and retirees pledge our continued loyalty and support to your good government for this act of kindness.

“It which will definitely serve as a veritable drive for increased productivity by our dutiful members,’’ the statement read.

Gov. Adeleke, through a circular issued by the Head of Service, approved the payment of arrears of half salaries for January 2016.

The circular also conveyed approval for the payment of arrears of half salaries once in a quarter, beginning with the second quarter of 2023. It approved monthly payment of arrears of half salaries to contributory pensioners (state and local governments) who have not received their bonds, with effect from February 2023.

It equally approved the payment of four months of outstanding deductions – May and June 2019, February 2020 and October 2022.

Payment begins immediately for May 2019 deductions, while the other three months' deductions would be paid at once per quarter.

Cash backing would also be provided for payment of promotion exercises from 2019 to 2022.