Labour protests over 50% salary cut in Nasarawa •Vows to commence strike today
The joint Labour Union in Nasarawa State has protested over the 50 per cent reduction of workers’ salaries by the state government.
The state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, had constituted a committee to review the salaries of workers in the state and vowed to stand by the recommendation which did not go down well with workers in the state.
Speaking to journalists before the commencement of the protest in Lafia, the state capital, on Monday, the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Abdullahi Adeka ,said they are embarking on the strike as a warning to bring the government to reach an understanding with the union.
He said that the N18,000 minimum wage is a right by the law and not a privilege, saying workers’ salaries cannot be reduced in the face of the current hardship witnessed by workers in the state.
He added that workers in the state had sacrificed enough for the government by forfeiting their promotions, annual increment and a host of other benefits belonging to them.
“The time has come and the hour of reality has presented itself, our patient has been abused, our collective intelligence has been insulted and dehumanised, our morale has been destroyed and commitment and sacrifices for a better Nasarawa State, has been misconstrued to be cowardice,” he said.
The chairman also requested that Governor Al-makura should explain how he used the N8 billion released by the Federal Government.
He stated that, if nothing is done by the mid-night on Monday (yesterday) to reverse the decision, workers in the state would resume its suspended strike from Tuesday (today).
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the protest was carried out around Shendam Road and the Government House area, in Lafia.
Attempts made by the state Head of Service (HoS), Joseph Ancho, to address the protesters failed as they insisted they must speak with the state governor.
After waiting for some hours at the gate of the Government House, the deputy governor, Silas Agara, addressed them and assured that the state government would continue to prioritise their welfare.