Workers strike looms in Nasarawa over percentage payment

Nasarawa State would any moment from now be facing workers’ strike over planned percentage payment of salaries to the local government workers.

This is despite the nation contending with the coronavirus pandemic, the organized labour in Nasarawa State has threatened to shut down the state if the Local Government authority goes ahead with their plan to pay percentage salaries to staff of the Local Government Areas across the 13 LGAs.

NLC State Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Iya who disclosed the position of the union on Wednesday at a press briefing said, the development was as a result of information to the effect that LG Chairmen have decided to at 75 percent of March salaries.

“Upon getting this information, we summoned a meeting of the state working committee (SWC) and got briefs from those that were informed by their LGA Chairmen. Having had from them, we have decided that any attempt to return workers to the days of percentage salaries would be rejected.

He explained that at this time of COVID-19 where movement is restricted and economic activities locked down, workers need more money to feed well in order not to die of hunger.

While applauding Governor Abdullahi Sule for ending percentage payment in the state immediately he assumed office, he advised the LGA Chairmen to support the governor by given priority to workers’ welfare.

“The governor has restored full payments of salaries and monthly pension to workers and retirees, as such his effort should be supported,” Iya said.

It would be recalled that the briefing was attended by Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Umar Doma, Chairman Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Shawulu Tama among others.