NLC gives Zamfara 21-day ultimatum

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Zamfara state chapter, has given the government 21-day ultimatum to meet workers demands or face “total strike action.”

The state chairman of the NLC, Malam Bashir Mafara, made the announcement on Monday in Gusau while addressing newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was jointly organised by the state chapters of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Mafara alleged that the government had in the last six years (since the inception of the Gov. Yari-led administration), consistently failed to address workers issues.

He also alleged that the government had relegated workers to “second class citizens” and failed to meet agreements it reached with labour leaders to address workers needs.

He said that the government had also failed to implement the N18,000 minimum wage, adding that some teachers and local government staff still receive N7,000 per month

The chairman pointed out that despite legislation which stipulates that pension be reviewed every five years, some retirees in the state receive N4,000 as their monthly pension.

He alleged that the government had not involved labour in the disbursement of the bailout funds it received from the federal government.

He also alleged that the funds had been diverted by the government.

Marafa said that though vacancies were created in the civil service as a result of deaths, retirements and transfers among others, the government failed to carry out recruitment during the period.

He alleged that the government had not paid salary to the 1,400 graduates that were employed in 2014.

He warned that the two unions would commence “total strike action’’ if the government failed to respond their demands at the expiration of the ultimatum.

NLC confirms submission of nominees for minimum wage committee

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it has submitted the names of its nominees for the 29 man-committee for the negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage.

NLC President Ayuba Wabba disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the Federal Executive Council had on May 25 approved the constitution of the National Minimum Wage Committee to kick-start the process of negotiations for new wage for workers.

“Well the point we are now is that last week we received a letter that organised labour should actually forward the names of their nominees and you know we have eight and that we have done and dispatched.

“And what we expect now is the formal inauguration of the committee and the unveiling of the Chairperson and then the process should start in earnest with a timeline.

“That is what we expect but I think we have fulfilled all righteousness by making sure that we are able to submit our team.‘

Wabba said that organised labour was aware of the situation of the workers and pensioners in the country, adding that labour would ensure that workers earn a living wage and pensions.

Wabba, however, called on all strata of government, including the private sector to be proactive in order for organised labour and workers not to be pushed to the wall.

“That is the position we are, but I think the fact of the matter is well known due to the issue of inflation and the high cost of living.

“This is obvious and it is also about respecting our laws and tradition. If it is said that within a circle of five years, the law must be reviewed, certainly we must find a way of doing it right.

“I think the bottom line is, none of the parties have said that those facts we have laid are not logical and nobody has said that the minimum wage will not be reviewed,’’ Wabba said.