From Saka Bolaji, Minna
The Niger State Government and organised Labour have reached an agreement thereby putting an end to the indefinite strike action that began on Monday.
Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Marafa, who mediated between the state government and Organised Labour at the State House of Assembly said it was necessary to end the strike as it has caused hardship on the people.
Marafa said, “We were able to reach very impressive headway and today (Friday) on a happy note, an agreement has been reached, after series of deliberation.”
In his official statement on the resolutions and the position of the organised labour, the State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Idris Ndako said, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress ( TUC) have put to an end to the indefinite industrial action which started on Monday.
According to him, “in our resolution, it was agreed that all workers in the state be paid their salaries in full and that the government will make available the sum of N1.350 billion monthly for a period of three months starting from this month (July). We will undertake staff screening exercise to determine the payment of workers.
“The balance amount for June will be paid after the screening and to be handled by the organised Labour. And with the above resolution, we have agreed to end the strike and no worker shall be victimised or dealt with because of the strike”.
He also commended the government for reaching an agreement with the organised labour.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Danyaya, while addressing journalists said “henceforth, all civil servants ranging from Level 17 downwards will be paid by the Organised Labour as government would pay salaries directly to Labour. Government has given labour the sum of N1.350 billion for July salary.”
Also, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, said “the state government and organized Labour have agreed to sheath our swords for the betterment of Nigerlites. They (Labour), as part of the agreement reached said, they know the ghost workers in the state and would want to start screening without interference.
Furthermore, Vatsa said ”this clarification became necessary following fears being expressed by the workers on the fate of the deducted salary.
“The shortfall in June salary will be paid. Government has no intention of denying workers their legitimate earnings.
“I want to assure our esteemed civil servants that government will pay the balance of the shortfall in June salary very soon”, he said.
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