The Organised Labour in Nasarawa State has began an indefinite strike action from Tuesday, June 15, over partial implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage and other welfare related issues.
The strike was declared on Monday evening in Lafia after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the labour movement in the state.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Comrade Yusuf Iya, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the action became imparative due to failure of the government to meet their demands after two ultimatum were served.
The NLC Chairman listed some of the demands to includes, 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 of time, but, the government has 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,” 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 are allowed to return to negotiation table to complete thier assignment.
The NLC boss in the state added that workers should not be intimidated as the struggle for better welfare has just begun and they would achieve success this time around.
Collaborating, Mohammed Doma, Chairman, 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 once.
“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 said
The TUC boss said workers should remain in their houses from Tuesday, June 15 until further notice from the organised labour officials.
MoneyCentral gathered that Zakka Yakubu, Nasarawa State Accountant General had recently announced that the government had commenced implementation of minimum wage of workers from level 1-6 which did go down well with the organised labour in the state.