Plateau workers embark on strike over salary arrears

Plateau workers have commenced an indefinite strike over the failure of the state government to meet their demands.

The workers, under the aegis of the Joint National Public Service, had earlier threatened to embark on industrial action over non-payment of their salary arrears.

They also listed lack of promotion, non-implementation of existing salary structure, and third-party dedications as part of the issues.

In a notice on Wednesday night, the Plateau joint negotiating council (JNC) said the strike followed the expiration of the four days extension of the ultimatum.

Titus Malau, Plateau JNC chairman, and Timothy Gopep, the secretary, said the ultimatum and the extension were communicated in letters dated April 19 and May 3.

“It is evidently clear that government has not shown enough commitment to address the issues as presented in our charter of demands before its tenure expires, as earlier promised,” they said.

“However, following a joint meeting between the JNC and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)/Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership, it was resolved that an indefinite strike action be declared.

“The action is imperative since government reneged in fulfilling its own part of the agreement despite a series of promises.

“We are, therefore, directing all our affiliate unions that strike commenced from midnight of 10th May 2023.”

The council directed all affiliate unions to adhere strictly to the strike and ensure total compliance until workers’ demands are met.

The council warned that any contravention of the directive would attract severe penalties/sanctions.