Organized labour in Niger state on Monday directed workers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike from February 4, over non-implementation of the new national minimum wage by the state government. According to Vanguard, the directive was contained in a statement jointly signed by Mr Yakubu Garba, chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterparts Yunusa Tanimu.
The statement disclosed that organized labour in the state had met at an emergency joint State Executive Council (SEC) on Jan. 29 to resolve on a notice of 21 days ultimatum of strike action issued to the government on Jan. 3, 2020.
“In compliance with the resolutions reached at the emergency joint State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of Niger state organised labour held at Labour House on Wednesday; 29th January 2020.
“We write to formally inform you that all civil servants in Niger state are by be this notice directed to proceed on an indefinite strike action with effect from midnight February 4, 2020, ” it read.
The statement added that the strike which would be comprehensive shall remain in force till the state government “demonstrate a clear and adequate commitment” to tackling lingering issues bothering on workers’ welfare.
Part of the demands of labour included the immediate implementation of the N30,000 National Minimum wage, it’s consequential adjustment and accrued arrears to all categories of workers both at the state and local government levels.
They are also calling for the immediate resumption of payment of outstanding annual leave grant for 2019 to deserving workers at both state and local government level as well as a clear commitment from the state government on pension policy in the interest of workers.
Meanwhile, Mr Yakubu Garba, chairman NLC in the state said organised labour was open and willing to meet with the government anytime the government shows genuine commitment to resolving the aforementioned labour-related concerns.
