The Jigawa chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embark on indefinite strike following the inability of the state government to implement the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Recall that the State Government had earlier constituted a committee to align with the national wage policy.
WikkiTimes learnt that the committee had recommended for implementation, but the Government failed to act as it promised which frustrated workers’ unions.
In a circular sighted by WikkiTimes and jointly signed by NLC Chairman Comrade Sunusi Alhassan and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Comrade Bashir Tijjani Abubakar, the unions said they mobilise their members for industrial action if the state government fails to implement the new wage by November 30, 2024.
The circular stated, “All affiliates and organs in the state are to begin mobilization for full compliance with this directive if the state government fails to pay the new minimum wage by the last day of November 2024.”
The organized labour disclosed that after prolonged negotiations, they had earlier accepted the salary tables proposed by the state government.
“This resolution was reached at a joint State Executive Council meeting of the NLC and TUC which was held on November 18, 2024, at Labour House, Dutse.”
Governor Umar Namadi had announced his administration’s approval of the minimum wage in October after receiving a report from a committee led by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri. He however failed to specify date for commencement.
The unions affirmed their readiness to engage with the government but warned that delays would no longer be tolerated.
“We have informed the government of our readiness to sign the agreement whenever it is presented. However, we remain committed to the directive from the national NLC and TUC, which requires strike action in states that have not implemented the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024,” they stated.
The impending strike threatens to paralyze public services across the state as workers demand immediate compliance with the new wage policy.
