workers In Niger State begin strike over pay

Events in Niger state has taken a new turn as Organised labour in the State has begun indefinite strike over government’s decision to slash November salaries of workers by 30 per cent.

The state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Yakubu Garba, disclosed this yesterday in Minna.

He said NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) resumed the suspended strike due to government’s refusal to meet their demands.

“The organised labour (NLC and TUC) in Niger State have resumed the suspended strike. The industrial action started at 12am today (yesterday),” he said.

The organised labour is demanding that the 30 per cent deferred balance of June salaries of workers must be paid.

They also demanded that the November salaries of workers must be paid 100 per cent and the 80 civil servants dismissed by the government must be re-absorbed into service.

He said negotiations between government and organised labour was not concluded on November 26, while government started payment of November salaries on November 27 with pay cut.

The labour chairman said while some workers received 30 per cent less of their original salaries, others got 35 per cent.

He said civil servants have complied with the industrial action.

“I can assure you that all civil servants in Niger State have stayed away from their offices today. A report from our monitoring team shows total compliance,” he stated .