Strike action no solution to minimum wage debate, group tells Kwara labour unions

Labour unions in Kwara State have been urged to rethink their mobilisation of their members for industrial action as a strike action would bring no solution to the minimum wage debate in the state.

Gamji Members Association of Kwara State (GAMA), which gave the admonition on Sunday, warned that rather than solve the issues, a strike action would hurt everyone, including workers themselves.

GAMJI is an umbrella body for followers of the late premier of the northern region and Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello.

A statement by Abdullahi Yinka Agaka, publicity secretary of the pan-northern Nigerian group, expressed understanding of the standpoint of the labour unions especially from the point of view of the rising cost of living but, however, cautioned that embarking on an industrial action is not the solution.

“This is especially true when we consider the fact that the state government’s finances are seriously stretched already,” the group said.

“Like the state government has been doing, we also appeal to the workers to have a rethink, embrace more talks, and appreciate the fact that the government, whatever its imperfections, has shown good faith in handling workers’ welfare social investments, and infrastructural development, even during COVID-19 when it never stopped paying or cut workers’ salaries like a few states did.

“Similarly, we call on the government to continue to engage the labour unions since both sides clearly comprise very patriotic elements.

“We appeal to both sides to act according to the realities of the state. A strike action will hurt millions of people. Both sides have a responsibility to not bring unnecessary hardship to the populace. If there is any strike action, both sides will still return to the negotiating table and that clearly explains the futility of letting things get to the point of strike action.

“We urge the state government to sign the minimum wage law as soon as possible but without resorting to borrowing or paying percentages to workers, as seen in the past. This is why we commend its numerous efforts to reform the system for efficiency.

“Finally, we call on everyone to act very responsibly at this time because partisan sentiments in time of serious state matters would not take us anywhere,” the group said.