Borno NLC on strike

06.05.2008

The Borno State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Monday, embarked on an indefinite strike to press home its demand for the implementation of 15 per cent pay rise for its members.

The Chairman, Mr. Sarba Ngamdu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that “all efforts to come to an agreement with the government over the wage increase have failed.

“Borno State workers, who are the least paid in the country, can no longer condone the government’s action and will not compromise its position.”

However, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba-Ahmad Jidda, said government was willing to pay, but negotiations had not been concluded before the union called for the strike.

He explained that a committee had been raised under his chairmanship to negotiate and come to terms with labour to implement the wage rise.

The SSG said several outstanding allowances, some dating back to 2001 and running into millions of naira, had been paid and urged labour to “be patient and understand government’s position.”

He called on the congress to “come back to the negotiating table so that we can reach an amicable agreement.” Union officials, at the weekend, directed workers to stay at home and went ahead yesterday to lock up the gates of the Musa Usman State Secretariat.

Most workers complied with the directive, while those who went out were seen in groups discussing the action outside the secretariat gates.