Drama as workers reject govt N10,000 wage award

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Jigawa State have jointly rebuffed the N10,000 wage proposal put forth by the state government in response to the elimination of fuel subsidies. This collective stance was articulated in a press release issued subsequent to a meeting of the Organized Labour in the state, which convened in Dutse, the capital city.

The communiqué, endorsed by the state chairpersons and secretaries of both NLC and TUC, characterized the state government’s announcement of the wage proposal as premature, emphasizing that no consensus had been reached on the matter.

Highlighting the protracted negotiations between the NLC Salary Negotiation Committee and the state government committee, the statement underscored the absence of any substantive response to various submissions made by the former.

The Organized Labour expressed astonishment at the announcement made by the state Commissioner for Information, Youth, and Culture, Honorable Sagiru Musa, regarding the N10,000 wage proposal spanning three months.

“It is imperative for the public to understand that the Organized Labour has not endorsed any Memorandum of Understanding with the Jigawa State Government concerning the N10,000 wage proposal; the Negotiation Committee is still in the process of completing its mandate,” the statement clarified.

Nevertheless, upon inquiry, the state’s Head of Service, Muhammad K. Dagacire, affirmed that the NLC Negotiation Committee was fully apprised of the state government’s decision regarding palliative measures for the workers.

Dagacire elaborated on the agreement, which encompasses a three-month wage proposal, the distribution of food palliatives, and the provision of agricultural inputs, including land, for each civil servant.

“It is therefore surprising to hear reports indicating NLC’s rejection of the N10,000 proposal. Our interventions for workers to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal are structured across three phases, and Governor Malam Umar Namadi remains steadfast in fulfilling all commitments,” he affirmed.