The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Taraba on Monday called on Governor Darius Ishaku to as a matter of urgency pay the outstanding six months’ salaries of local government staff and five months of primary school teachers in the state.
Peter Jediel, chairman of the NLC and his TUC counterpart, Sule Abasu made their demand during the worker’s day celebration held at the Jolly Nyame stadium Jalingo, the state capital.
Jediel in his address commended the doggedness, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance of workers in Taraba in ensuring maximum productivity despite numerous challenges.
Speaking on this year’s May Day theme, “Workers’ rights and socio-economic justice”, Jediel urged Ishaku to pay the outstanding salaries of local government staff and primary school teachers as a right and not a privilege.
“We want to draw the attention of the government to the plight of workers in the state. The major one has to do with the outstanding six months salaries of local government staff and five months for primary school teachers as well as the non-payment of yearly increment which has stopped for three years now.
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“Also, there is a backlog of gratuities for retirees in the state from 2015 and the inability to capture over 1000 retirees in the monthly pension,” he said.
On his part, Abasu of the TUC expressed dismay that for over two years, workers’ yearly increments and financial benefits have been thwarted.
“Workers are going through pains especially in the face of skyrocketing prices of commodities in the market. We are calling on the government to as a matter of urgency address these debacles in the interest of industrial harmony”.
Responding, Governor Ishaku, represented by the state head of service, Suzi Nathan, appreciated the workers for their contribution to the development of the state.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised workers’ contribution to the growth and development of the state, describing them as “immeasurable.”
Sanwo-Olu, on his Facebook page, while felicitating with workers, said: “On this Workers’ Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all workers in Lagos and beyond.
“Your hard work, dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of our state and nation are immeasurable.
“As we celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of workers today (Monday), let us also reaffirm our commitment to creating a conducive work environment that promotes the well-being and prosperity of all workers.
“Together, we can build a more prosperous and equitable society where every worker has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” he said.”
Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has lauded workers’ sacrifices, saying they formed the backbone of the state’s economy.
Bello also acknowledged the critical role of workers in the growth of the country and assured them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
The governor recognised the contributions of workers in various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing, and praised their tireless efforts in the success of the state.
