Labour leaders in Edo State, Monday, said their leadership was not unaware of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s good intentions towards workers in the state, adding “no doubt our leadership is in solidarity with government, especially as the state approach an electioneering year.”

The union leaders made this known during an interactive session hosted by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe, where top officials of the Nigerian Labor Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC; Joint Negotiation Council, JNC; Academic Staff Union of Secondary School, ASUSS, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, were present.

NLC state chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ademokun, said: “I thank you for dispelling the rumour that government would retrench teachers, who have put in 25 years into the service or 55 years in age after winning the 2012 elections and after on-going teachers screening was concluded.

“The rumour is not among the teachers alone. I am happy it has been cleared.”

NUT chairman, Mr. Patrick Ikosime thanked the Governor for the interactive session, especially as it concerned the retrenchment rumour.

He said: “It is true the rumour has been on. This meeting is timely. All our members would join in carrying out the government side to our people.

“I also want to thank government that something is being done about the 2010 promotion.”

and I assure you that the leadership of NUT is poised in solidarity with government because of the era we are in now.”

Earlier, Imuekemhe, who represented Governor Oshiomhole at the interactive session said: “This interactive session is called for us to assure the teachers in the state of their job security. An evil message has been going round the state and within the teachers, that the on-going screening was intended to retrench those who have put in 25 years in service and 55 years old. We believe that as leaders of this professional group, we should allay your fears.”