LG boss in Plateau appeals to workers to call off strike

By Thompson Yamput

Barkin Ladi (Plateau) Nov. 5, 2019 (NAN) Mr Ezekiel Mandyau, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau, has appealed to striking workers of the council to call off the strike, pledging to pay them promotion arrears and meet their other demands.
Mandyau made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing the workers at the council’s secretariat.

“I will always support you to get what belongs to you as my loyal staff,” he said.

The workers of the 17 local government areas of Plateau had on Monday embarked on strike over 11 demands including implementation of nine-year-old N18,000 minimum wage, promotion arrears and financial autonomy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesting local government workers had shut the gates to the secretariats of the local governments.

The workers insisted that until their 11-point demands were met, the secretariats would remain closed.

“As workers, we need to understand each other in our collective interest and for our own progress.

“Government is aware that you are entitled to your dues, as Gov. Simon Lalong always emphasises. So be rest assured that the government will give you your dues at all times.

“I have gotten your letter, which contains your demands and I wish to assure you that those within my powers such as your promotion shall be implemented,’’ Mandyau said.

The chairman advised the striking workers to be law-abiding and show understanding with his council.

Earlier, Mr Arandong Makwin, who doubles as Plateau Tripartite Union Chairman and Chairman, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Barkin Ladi, commended the courage of the council chairman in addressing them.

Makwin, commended the chairman for accepting to implement the staff promotions and other demands within his powers.

“We as workers of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area can testify that as our new chairman, you have started well and pray and hope that you will end well.

“What bothers us most is nine-year-old N18,000 minimum wage that we have never enjoyed and hope that you will help take this message to our dear governor to consider us and pay us without delay.

“Today, Nigerian workers are talking about N30,000 minimum wage but surprisingly, we are still on N18,000 which many have enjoyed over nine years now,’’ Makwin said. (NAN)

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LG boss in Plateau appeals to workers to call off strike