BENIN CITY – The Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele has charged Labour Unions to move away from agitation of welfare benefits to its members.
Mr. Jerry Obazele gave the charge when the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Public Co-operations, Civil Service Technical Recreational Services Employees, Edo State chapter paid him a courtesy call in Benin City.
He called on the union to be interested in the structure, management and efficient running of organizations, saying   that modern unionism should play a leading role in contributing to the robust development of any organization.
The Head of Service stated that the State Government is strategically planning the revamping of Edo Line which he said is valuable to all Edo people.
He recalled the magnanimity of the State Governor, Camrade Adams Oshiomhole in recalling the workers and pay their Salaries even when they were not working.
On Edo courier, he stated that when Edo Line is back in operation, the Courier Service would be boosted.
He praised the General Manager for his astuteness in the management of the courier service, against all odds.
On removal of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) from the road, the Head of Service disclosed that the State Government took the decision because the activities of the officers bordered on illegality in extorting money from motorists, thereby putting the State in bad light.
He regretted that most of the Edo Youth Employment Scheme (Edo Yes) staff were receiving salaries while they were not working, stating that government has information to the effect that many of them were in school, while others were employed elsewhere.
The Head of service restated the willingness of the state government to provide employment to the teeming unemployed youth, insisting that government is responsible and willing to deal with unemployment.
He assured the union that on the completion of condition of service for members of the Oil and Gas Commission, the documents will be sent to the State Executive Council for approval.
Reacting to the decision of ICTA workers to join the union, the Head of Service said the State Government was not against ICT workers unionizing.
Earlier the state Chairman of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical Recreational Service Employees, Comrade Julius Erharuyi Congratulated Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele for his appointment as Head Service.
Comrade Erharuyi disclosed that ICT staff, Oil and Gas Commission are members of the Union and have indicated their willingness to join the Union.
The Union appealed to the Government through the Head of Service to properly fund Edo Line by providing it with enough vehicles to revamp the company and the courier services.
Besides, the union also called on the state government to incorporate in the design of roads, the routes through which Water Board can lay water pipes without destroying the roads.
At the courtesy call were the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Administration, Mr. Timothy Idahosa, Barr. Mike Okoje, Permanent Secretary Office of the Head of service, and Mrs. Helen Idugboe Permanent Secretary, Ministry Establishment and Special Duties.