Nasarawa Workers Declare Indefinite Strike Over Poor Welfare
Workers in Nasarawa State have declared an indefinite strike action in the State over partial implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage and other issues related to their welfare.
The industrial action which was declared on Monday (June 14, 2021) in Lafia after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the State is scheduled to begin from Tuesday June 15, 2021.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Comrade Yusuf Iya, Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the action became imperative due to failure of the government to meet their demands after the expiration of two ultimatums.
The NLC Chairman listed some of the issues being contended by the organized labour 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 whom have been working for more than 10 years among others.
Comrade Iya said that some of the problems lingered for a long period of time, but, the government has failed to give priority towards 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,” the NLC Chairman added.
He described the implementation of minimum wage of workers in grade levels 1-6 in the State as a mirage.
Iya explained that due process was not followed, and advised the government to ensure that the minimum wage committee are allowed to return to negotiation table to complete thier assignment.
The NLC boss urged workers in the State not to be intimidated as the struggle for better welfare has just begun and they would achieve success this time around.
Speaking alongside the State NLC Chairman, Mohammed Doma, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said it is unfortunate that the government could not respect the traditional rulers despite their intervention by doing the needful to meet their demands.
He explained that Nasarawa State workers have shown the maximum understanding with the present administration and even the previous ones.
“We have remained committed to serving the State despite carrier stagnation for over ten years, so the government should also show understanding by meeting our demands,” the TUC Chairman added.
The TUC boss in the State said workers should remain in their houses from Tuesday, June 15 until further notice from the organised labour officials.
