From Beauty John, Lafia
The Organized Labour in Nasarawa state comprising of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called off strike after signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government on Monday.
Recall that the Organized Labour embarked on an indefinite strike action on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, demanding implementation of promotions, annual increment of salaries, training of staff, payment of gratuity, housing for workers, full implementation of minimum wage, payment of the last tranche of August 2016 salary among others.
Reacting to the strike, Governor Abdullahi Sule gave a no-work-no-pay directive as he ordered permanent secretaries at the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), to open attendance registers for workers.
Governor Abdullahi A Sule, during the signing of the MOU at the government house in Lafia, said the government deserves commendation for not deploying force on the striking workers.
“ On both sides we must commend ourselves. We have shown maturity on the part of government without showing excessive use of force to show that we are in charge.
He commended Labour for their composure and maturity in their approach through out the strike action.
Earlier, the state chairman of NLC, comrade Yusuf Iyah announced the end of the strike action as he called on his members to return to work.
“I hereby, after signing the this agreement declare that the strike action is hereby suspended with effect from today, 5th July, 2021. And we call on all members of NLC and TUC to all go back to their offices as from tomorrow, 6th of July, 2021 without hesitation,” the chairman declared.
The Attorney General (AG) and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Abdulkareem Kana, while reading the resolutions contained in the MoU said on the issue of promotion and annual increment, it was agreed that all pending promotions and annual increment at hand for staff of Nasarawa State Public Service that are due and pursuant to the report of the committee for implementation of outstanding promotions upto 2017, should be implemented with effect from August 2021.
On the issue of minimum wage, level 1-6 are to start benefiting while the standing committee on the implementation of minimum wage will begin dialogue to make necessary adjustments for level 7 and above.
It was also resolved that the state government is to commence payment of August 2016 salary arrears with immediate effect.
The victimization of any worker by the state government or labour for not adhering to their orders during the strike was strictly prohibited.
