The Organised Labour in Nasarawa State says they would shut down the state if the Local Government Chairmen go ahead with their plan to pay salaries in percentage to staff of the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Mr. Yusuf Iya, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nasarawa state council, who spoke on behalf the union, stated this while briefing newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday.
He said that their representatives at the LGAs level had informed them of plan by the Chairmen of the respective LGAs to pay workers just 75 per cent of their 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 heard from them, we have decided that any attempt to return workers to the days of percentage salaries would be rejected.
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“We would be left with no option than to shut down the state should they go ahead with their plan,” the Chairman added.
He noted that at this time of COVID-19 where movement had been restricted and most economic activities on lockdown, workers would need more money to feed well so as not to die of hunger.
He further applauded Gov. Abdullahi Sule for ending percentage payment in the state immediately he assumed office and advised the LGA Chairmen to support the governor by giving priority to workers’ welfare.
“The governor has restored full payments of salaries and monthly pension to workers and retirees, therefore this effort should be supported,” Iya said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was attended by Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Umar Doma; Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Shawulu Tama among others.
