Nasarawa State workers begin Indefinite strike over minimum wage

Organised Labour in Nasarawa State has begun an indefinite strike action from Tuesday, June 15, over the partial implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage and other welfare-related issues.

The strike was declared on Monday in Lafia after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the labor movement in the state.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yusuf Iya, said the action became imperative due to the failure of the government to meet their demands after two ultimatums were served.

The NLC Chairman listed some of the demands to include, including partial implementation of minimum wage without recourse to due process of collective bargaining, 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 are working for more than 10 years among others.

Comrade Iya said that some of the problems lingered for a long period, but, the government has failed to give priority to 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 commenced 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 implications 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 is allowed to return to the negotiation table to complete their assignment.

The NLC boss in the state said that workers should not be intimidated as the struggle for better welfare has just begun and they would achieve success this time around.

Collaborating, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mohammed Doma, said it was 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 one.

“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 organized labor officials.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Accountant General, Zakka Yakubu, had recently announced that government had commenced the implementation of minimum wage of workers from level 1-6.