Niger NLC, TUC Call Off Strike

NLC-TUCThe Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in Niger State on Saturday called off their strike following the intervention of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Ahmed Marafa.

The labour unions had started the strike on Monday to protest deductions in workers’ salaries.

At a meeting, Mr. Marafa solicited a truce between labour and the state government in order to reduce the hardship the action brought on the people.

“We were able to reach very impressive headway and on a happy note, an agreement has been reached, after series of deliberation”, he said.

SEE: Niger Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Salary Cut

The NLC Chairman, Idris Ndako, said labour would end the strike when some conditions agreed on by the government were met.

“In our resolution, it was agreed that all workers in the state be paid their salaries in full”, he said.

“The state government will make available the sum of N1.35 billion monthly for a period of three months starting from this month (July).

“We will undertake staff screening 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”.

Also the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Danyaya, said government had resolved to reach an agreement with labour for industrial harmony to reign in the state.

“Henceforth, ‎all civil servants from level 17 downwards will be paid by the organised Labour as government will pay salaries directly to Labour”, he said.

“Government has given labour the sum of N1.35 billion for July salary”.

The agreement to end the strike was signed on behalf of the state government by Mr. Danyaya while Mr. Ndako signed for the organised Labour. (NAN)