Just In: Plateau workers suspends two months strike
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Plateau State has suspended the two Months strike earlier embarked by the organised Labour Unions in the State.
It would be recalled that the workers had in May 2023 embarked on strike over non-payment of salaries and other entitlements.
Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council Comrade Titus Malau while briefing Journalists at the NLC Secretariat Jos on Friday said JNC and the chairman of the 17 Local Government Areas in the State held a meeting on the 5th of July, 2023 with the Plateau State Government and resolve the current Labour impasses affecting both the state and Local government employees.
He disclosed that the indefinite strike action declared by the Union is hereby suspended with effect from 14th July, 2023 and workers of both state and Local government are directed to resume on Monday 17th July, 2023.
“In the meeting between the JNC and the State Government, the following agreements were reached, the government has paid the balance of salaries for February 2023 and also issued a circular directing all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAS) to implement all promotions With immediately effect.
“Government has concluded working on consolidated Salary for State civil servants, and same has been signed by both parties salary for March has been paid, but there are challenges observed with the payment which the Union Leadership will follow up to ensure that all are resolved.
“That the Salaries of April and May 2023 will be paid in the same manner as that of March immediately after funds are available”.
Other agreements reached include that government shall pay arrears of salaries to Local Government Employees as soon as it receives its subvention for May 2023, the government shall restore the payment of Domestic Staff Allowance to officers on Grade Levels 15 and 16 along with June 2023 salary.
Also stated that the Government upon release of promotions and Annual Increments, shall effect payments thereof commencing July 2023 and payments of salaries shall be centralized in the spirit of brotherhood to assist the weaker Local Governments.
Comrade Malau added that the technical committee on Salary structure shall resume sitting to conclude the Salary structure immediately after the resumption of work on Monday.
The JNC Chairman stated that No worker who participated in the strike action shall be Victimised.
