The Nigerian Labour Congress in Nasarawa State is set to embark on an indefinite Strike from Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
Arising from the executive council meeting, Comrade Yusuf lya, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, said the action became important following the inability of the state government to meet their demands after two ultimatums were given.
He listed some of the demands to include partial implementation of minimum wage without recourse to due process of collective bargaining and lack of implementation of promotions since2008.
0thers were lack of annual increments, lack of training and lack of confirmation of appointments of casual workers some of which are working for more than 10 years among others.
According to him, “We have given thepresent administration more than twoyears grace to address our challenges but the government has been paying lipservice.
The strike was supposed to havecommenced since Monday, June 7, butwas delayed due to intervention by thetraditional rulers.
“Even with the intervention, the government was not serious in meeting our demands.
“Therefore, we have no option than tospeak in the language they understandbetter,” he said.
He described the implementation ofminimum wage of workers in grade levels 1-6 in the state as a mirage.
While explaining that a due process was not followed, he urged the state government to ensure that the minimum wage committee is allowed to return to the negotiation table to complete its assignment.
Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Doma,Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), expressed dismay that the stategovernment did not respect the traditional rulers who intervened.
According to him, Nasarawa State workers had shown the present administration maximum understanding.
He said: “We have remained committed to serving the state, despite career stagnation for over ten years.
“So, the government should also showunderstanding by meeting our demands.”
He stated that workers should remain intheir houses from Tuesday, June 15 untilfurther notice from the organised labourofficials
Meanwhile, Mr Zakka Yakubu, Nasarawa State Accountant General had recentlyannounced that the government had began implementation of minimum wage for workers from Grade Level 1-6.