Plateau State workers have begun an indefinite strike following the Government’s failure to meet their demands. The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Plateau chapter, issued a strike notice on Wednesday night in Jos, declaring the industrial action.
Plateau JNC Chairman Titus Malau and Secretary Timothy Gopep jointly signed the notice, stating that the strike comes after the expiration of a four-day extension of the earlier seven-day ultimatum given to the Government. The request and attachment were communicated in their letters dated April 19, 2023, and May 3, 2023.
According to the JNC officials, a meeting was held on May 10 with the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary to the Government of the State present. They said the Government needed to show more commitment to addressing the issues in its charter of demands before its tenure expires, despite previous promises.
Following a joint meeting between the JNC and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)/Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership, it was decided that an indefinite strike action would be declared. The strike began at midnight on May 10, 2023, and all affiliate unions have been directed to ensure total compliance until workers’ demands are met.
Malau and Gopep warned that any infringement of the directive would result in severe penalties or sanctions. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers are battling the state government over unpaid salaries, among other demands.
