Labour Suspends Strike in Benue

From Abraham Uwuasom, Makurdi

The organized labour in Benue State has suspended its one week old industrial action embarked upon by workers in the State.

National Secretary General of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, announced the decision of the unions in a communiqué he presented to newsmen at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi.

He said the strike is suspended while government is expected to source for funds and pay two months salaries and pension arrears owed them between Thursday and Friday this week.

As part of measures to ensure regular and monthly payment of salaries and pensions, government has also agreed to exercise fiscal discipline, control its spending and mop up areas of leakages as well as explore ways of boosting her Internally Generated Revenue.

In the communique, both government and the labour unions have agreed to dialogue on all issues affecting the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.

As part of measures to ensure that Benue has a realistic and manageable wage bill, the Joint Technical Committee set up by the State and National Secretariat of NLC in its meeting of Monday, October 9th, 2017, “agreed that both government and the unions in the State should continue to work together to ensure improved resource flow and management.

“In this regard, both parties agreed to work to ensure the completion of the work of the Committee currently chaired by the Deputy Governor.”

Benue State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Godwin Anya, his Trade Union Congress, TUC counterpart, Comrade Ordue  Tartenger and the chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Philip Ter Nongu signed the communiqué on behalf of the organised labour.

On the part of government, the State Head of Service, Engineer George Ede and Commissioner for Finance, Hon. David Olofu signed the document.