Employees of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) have once again embarked on a strike action, highlighting grievances regarding salary payments and alleged victimization by management. The workers, unified under the Joint Labour Union, are demanding full payment of their salaries, promotion arrears, and the implementation of the ₦35,000 wage award.
A staff member who wished to remain anonymous spoke to The Bureau Newspaper, stating that “staff members are frustrated with the management’s decision to pay salaries in percentages rather than in full.” Additionally, allegations of victimization through unwarranted transfers without the associated allowances have fueled discontent among the workforce.
The situation escalated as workers felt disillusioned by unfulfilled promises made during budget defense sessions in 2023 where the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Mike Etaba, particularly told the Chief Commissioner to focus on staff Welfare and Salaries. Despite assurances from management that full salaries would be disbursed by January 2024, employees found themselves grappling with partial payments and a focus on contractual obligations over personnel liabilities.
Seeking redress, the workers have called upon the President of the Senate to intervene and facilitate a resolution to the ongoing crisis. Their aim is to secure fair treatment and ensure that their legitimate grievances are addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner.
As for now, the Headquarters of the Commission in Maitama is under lock and key likewise the state offices of the Commission nationwide. Its now rhetoric to ask, if the Complaints Managers are complaining, where do we go?