Workers of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) yesterday trooped out in large numbers to protest their non-inclusion in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The protesters who shut offices, protested against the contrast between the lavished compensation of senior executives and the meagre wages of junior staff in the establishment.

The ODIRS workers, who are majorly junior staff, blocked the major road leading to the office and other offices in the Alagbaka area of the state capital as early as 8am.

The workers who were armed with placards bearing various inscriptions to register their grievances, vowed not to return to their offices until the matter was resolved in their favour, alleging that the management of ODIRS was insensitive to their plight when the matter was brought before it.
They, however, called on the state government to urgently look into their demands in order not to down tools.

Responding, the special adviser to Ondo State Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, said the protest was a minor issue which would be resolved, assuring that the state government will urgently address their demands.

“This protest is a minor issue because all core civil servants, including local government employees, parliamentary staff and political appointees, have received their salaries.

“The affected workers of the ODIRS are from the private sector, not public servants but the governor directed yesterday that they should not be paid the old salary but the new minimum wage,” he said.

Leadership