The Organised Labour in Nasarawa State says it will begin an indefinite strike on June 15, over partial implementation of N30,000 minimum wage and other welfare related issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the organised labour made the declaration on Monday in Lafia after its State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
Comrade Yusuf Iya, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the State told newsmen that the action became necessary due to the failure by the government to meet their demands.
Iya 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 since 2008.
Others are lack of annual increments, lack of training, lack of confirmation of appointments of casual workers some of which have worked for more than 10 years among others.
He said that some of the problems had lingered for a long time but government had failed to give priority toward addressing them.
“We have given the present administration more than two years’ grace to address our challenges but the government has been paying lip service.
“The strike was supposed to have commence since Monday, June 7, but was delayed due to intervention by the traditional rulers.
“Even with the intervention, the government was not serious in meeting our demands, therefore, we have no option than to speak the language they understand better,” he said.
Iya described the implications of minimum wage of workers from grade levels one to six in the state as a mirage.
He said that due process was not followed and advised the government to ensure that the minimum wage committee were allowed to return to the negotiation table to complete their assignments.
The chairman said that workers should not be intimidated as the struggle for better welfare had just begun and they would achieve success this time around.
Also, Mohammed Doma, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC) said it was unfortunate that the state government had failed to respect the traditional rulers who had intervened between the two parties.
Doma said that workers had shown restraint to both the previous and present administrations in the state.
“We have remained committed to serving the state despite carrier stagnation for over 10 years, so the government should also show understanding by meeting our demands,” he said.
The TUC chairman called on workers stay at home from Tuesday, June 15, according to notice from the officials of the organised labour.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Zakka Yakubu,the Nasarawa State Accountant-General had recently announced that government had commenced implementation of minimum wage of workers from levels one to six. (NAN)
