Plateau Workers Embarks on Strike, Demands Payment of 3 Months Salary Arrears
By Daniel Agada, Jos
Workers under the aegis of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Plateau state, has on Thursday embarked in an indefinite strike action, to press home their demands over government’s inability to addressed its welfare packages.
The Labour Unions also accused Plateau state government of lukewarm attitude towards implementation of negotiations it reached with the unions.
The striking workers demanded full payment of three months salary arrears in order 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 learnt that the strike triggered by Plateau workforce barely 11 days, after the Governor Simon Lalong on 1st may, 2023, international 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 the industrial action, a public relation officer-joint public service negotiation council Plateau state, Gideon Daniel revealed that they had issues with government since last year, 2022.
“We had 3 months of salaries issue on the salary table. We also had issues of promotions which we engaged them. There were promises to ensure that these things 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. There were loopholes on the issue of workers promotions.We wrote a letter to government on the 19th April, 2023 asking them to settle these things within seven days or we take action.
“We returned to them on the 3rd may, 2023, and they invited us on the 4th April, 2023, where we had 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) but nothing tangible has come from it. The government said they are going to paying February salaries and now were in May. And you know normally by 15 of every month is almost on 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 office until government is able to speak to us and give the workers what they are demanding. Were taking nothing less than three months salary arrears “, the mouthpiece of Labour Unions vowed.
