Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has disclosed that the Niger state government is owing pensioners over fifty billion naira (N50 billion) in gratuities and death benefits.
The Chairman of the NLC, Niger state chapter, Comrade Yakubu Garba over the weekend also warned the state government not to invoke its “no work no pay threat”, adding that “we will sue them to court”.
He made this disclosure during an interview with Journalists at the NUT secretariat in Minna at the State Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and annual prayers for the plight of teachers in the state.
Comrade Garba said the entire state government finance for a period of one year cannot pay liabilities owed workers in the state.
According to him “the pensioners whom the state government owes up to the tune of over N50 billion and we have the rights to go to court. If they say they will invoke no work no pay, then we will explore constitutional provision and see who will win”.
“We will ensure the organized labour sues the state government if it invoke its threat of no work no pay against workers who are legitimately struggling for better condition of service.
“I assure you the state account will be garnished. If we insist on 100 percent implementation of our demands, then nothing in the state can move. But what we are asking is for government to listen to us and be reasonable in meeting some of our demands”.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the organized labour has issued to state government a 14 day ultimatum to meet its various demands or face industrial action.
Accordingly, he said “the 14 day ultimatum is on course. We have deliberated that and we will push it to the end. We are not saying give us 100 percent of our needs but what the government is offering should be reasonable. The payment of February salary will determine our next line of action”.
While explaining that labour in the state was not oblivious of the economic situation in the country and were not asking that all demands must be met, but that “the government must show sincerity and willingness in fulfilling their obligation to workers.”
Garba said workers, whether in service or out of service are facing difficult times with low and miserable pay and inspite of the condition, government refusal to make deductions for cooperative unions and dues for unions available was adding more frustration to civil servants.
“If we insist on 100 percent implementation of our demands, then nothing in the state can move. But what we are asking is for government to listen to us and be reasonable in meeting some of our demands. If they can release our money for the cooperatives, reduce gratuity arrears, find ways to improve on teachers’ salary, then I believe we will have some respite,” he added.
