Plateau workers embark on strike action, demands payment of 3 months salary arrears, others

DANIEL DAUDA, Jos

Workers under the aegis of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Plateau state, have on Thursday embarked on an indefinite strike action, pressing home their demands over the government’s inability to address its welfare pack.

The Labour Unions also accused the Plateau state government look a wormed attitude towards the implementation of negotiations reached out with the union.

The striking workers demanded full payment of three months’ salary arrears for them to suspend the Industrial impasse.

Our correspondent observed that the workers who are chanting solidarity songs barricaded all entrances to the Joseph Gomwalk state Secretariat, Jos.

It was also learned that the strike triggered the Plateau workforce for barely 11 days, as Governor Simon Lalong on 1st May 2023, workers’ day celebration at the Rwang Pam Township stadium, promised to pay workers all their outstanding salaries and allowances before exiting office on 29th May 2023.

Speaking to newsmen on workers in the state who went on strike, Gideon Daniel, public relations officer-joint public service negotiation council Plateau state, revealed that they had issues with the government since the last year 2022.

“We had 3 months of salaries issue of the salary table. We also had issues with promotions in which we engaged them. There were promises to ensure that this thing are settled. Towards December last year to this year January, some efforts were made but suddenly we discovered everything went back.

“As we speak to you some people have not received their February salaries yet. There were loopholes in the issue of workers’ promotions. We wrote a letter to the government on the 19th of April 2023 asking them to settle this thing within seven days or we take action.

“We returned to them on the 3rd of May, 2023, and they invited us on the 4th of April, 2023,  where we had a meeting and they requested for an extension which we magnanimously added four days.

“And, after the expiration of the four days we had the meeting yesterday (Wednesday 11th May 2023) and nothing tangible has come from it. The government said they are going to continue paying February salaries and now we’re in May. And you know normally by the 15 of every month is almost the other month.

“So, virtually, we are almost talking about four months without some people getting their salaries. So, for this reason, we allowed them up to Wednesday 11th May 2023, twelve midnight to engage us and find a solution or we should embark on strike…

“Unfortunately, nothing comes out from the discussion. They are still pleading, and I think we have been patient enough as civil servants in the state, and we felt the best thing is to seat at home rather than wasting our energy and resources coming here and nothing coming out of it.

“Nobody is coming to the office until the government can speak to us and give the workers what they are demanding. We’re taking nothing less than three months salary arrears “, the mouthpiece of Labour Unions vowed.

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