4th February, 2020
Because of the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage and other entitlements, workers in Niger state will begin an indefinite strike today.
The work boycott directive was given in a statement jointly signed by Mr Yakubu Garba, chairman Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterparts Yunusa Tanimu.
The organised labour in the state met at an emergency joint State Executive Council (SEC) on Jan. 29 to discuss the 21-day ultimatum given 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.
Union officials said the strike would be comprehensive and remain in force until the state government “demonstrates 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, its consequential adjustment and accrued arrears to all categories of workers both at the state and local government levels.
The unionists 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.