The Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sarki Iya, has warned Local Government Council chairmen in the State to prepare for harsh consequences if they continue with their plan to cut workers salaries.
He gave the warning while briefing newsmen at the end of a meeting with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Public Service Union (JPSU) chairmen, in Lafia, Wednesday.
According to him, there is an underground plan by the council chairmen in connivance with the Ministry for Local Government and Rural development to cut March salaries to about 75 per cent .
He warned that any attempt to cut the workers’ salaries will be resisted vehemently.
According to him, their representatives at the 13 local government areas informed them that there was a plan by the chairmen of the respective local councils to pay workers 75 percent of March salaries.
Iya said: “Upon getting this information, we summoned a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) and got briefs from those that were informed by their local government chairmen.
“Having had from them, we have decided that any attempt to return workers to the days of percentage salaries would be rejected.
“We would be left with no option than to shut down the state should they go ahead with their plan.”
He pointed out that at this time of COVID-19 where movement is restricted and most economic activities lock down, workers need more money to feed well so as not to die of hunger.
He, however, applauded Governor Abdullahi Sule, for ending percentage payment in the state immediately he assumed office and advised the local government chairmen to support the governor by given priority to workers welfare.
“The governor has restored full payment of salaries and monthly pension to workers and retirees, therefore his efforts should be supported,” Iya said.
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