PASAN Suspends Planned Strike After Aiyedatiwa’s Intervention

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State chapter, has suspended its planned industrial action after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for its members.

The association had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government over the non-implementation of the new salary scale, which elapsed on Monday.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, the state chairperson of PASAN, Mrs Hellen Olorunfemi, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for responding promptly to the union’s demands.

“We tabled our demands before the governor, and to the glory of God, he gave instant approval,” Olorunfemi said.

“He directed the Head of Service and all concerned officers to immediately prepare the necessary implementation table, so the process can begin without delay.”

According to her, the approval marks a significant relief for legislative workers in the state, who had long awaited the implementation of CONLESS.

Olorunfemi noted that Ondo was the only state in the South-West yet to implement the structure, which prompted the planned strike before the governor’s intervention.

“Lagos and other states have long implemented this structure. We are happy that Ondo State is finally joining,” she added.

The PASAN chairperson also commended the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, for his steadfast support throughout the negotiation process.

She equally praised the collaborative efforts of both the executive and legislative arms of government in ensuring a peaceful resolution.

“With the governor’s directive already being implemented by the office of the Accountant General, PASAN has officially suspended its planned strike action,” Olorunfemi confirmed.

The Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) is a salary scheme designed to ensure improved welfare and parity for staff of legislative houses across Nigeria. Ondo’s adoption of the structure brings it in line with other South-West states that had implemented it earlier.