Minimum Wage: NLC declares indefinite strike in Nasarawa

The Organised Labour in Nasarawa State will commence an indefinite industrial action from today, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, over the non-implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage and other welfare-related issues in the state.

The indefinite strike, it was gathered, was declared on Monday in Lafia shortly after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the labour movement that lasted for several hours in the state.

Arising from the executive council meeting, Comrade Yusuf Iya, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, said the action became important following the inability of the state government to meet their demands after two ultimatums were given.

He 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 were lack of annual increments, lack of training and lack of confirmation of appointments of casual workers some of which are working for more than 10 years among others.

He said: “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.”

He described the implementation of minimum wage of workers in grade levels 1-6 in the state as a mirage.

While explaining that a due process was not followed, he urged the state government to ensure that the minimum wage committee is allowed to return to the negotiation table to complete its assignment.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Doma, Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), expressed dismay that the state government did not respect the traditional rulers who intervened.

According to him, Nasarawa State workers had shown the present administration maximum understanding.

He said: “We have remained committed to serving the state, despite career stagnation for over ten years. So, the government should also show understanding by meeting our demands.”

He stated that workers should remain in their houses from Tuesday, June 15 until further notice from the organised labour officials.

It was reported that Mr Zakka Yakubu, Nasarawa State Accountant General had recently announced that the government had commenced implementation of minimum wage for workers from Grade Level 1-6.  (Daily Trust)