NLC gives Plateau govt 2 weeks to open negotiation with workers - Over 15 per cent salary increase

Isaac Shobayo, Jos - 24.03.2008

AS the face-off be- tween Plateau State civil servants and the state government continues over the 15 per cent salary increase, the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the government a two-week ultimatum to open negotiation with the workers.

The state civil servants suspended their three-week-old strike in February following the intervention of the National President of the NLC, Comrade Abdulwahab Omar.

According to a letter written by the NLC and signed by its General Secretary, John Odah, to Governor Jonah Jang, made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Jos, the congress accused the state government of breach of agreement which provides a four-week time frame for audit and conclusion of negotiations on the 15 per cent salary increase.

The National Secretariat of the congress implored Governor Jang to ensure that negotiation commenced immediately and concluded within two weeks.

“As you know sir, our members in Plateau State are restive, virtually frustrated and unable to understand why the implementation of the increase is being delayed, contrary to the agreement reached,” he said.