Niger Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Non-Implementation Of Minimum Wage

Workers in Niger State have been directed by the labour unions in the state to proceed on an indefinite from Tuesday, February 4, over failure state government to implement the new national minimum wage and other entitlements.

The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Yakubu Garba, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Yunusa Tanimu, issued the directive in a statement they jointly signed on Monday.

The move came after a 21-day ultimatum of strike action the unions issued to the government on January 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,” said the organised labour.

The unions said the strike would remain in force pending the government’s decision to “demonstrate 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, it’s consequential adjustment and accrued arrears to all categories of workers both at the state and local government levels.

They 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.