The atmosphere in Kwara State is tense as organized labor has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government, citing unmet demands and raising the specter of potential industrial unrest. The ultimatum, delivered by Murtala Saheed Olayinka, Tunde Joseph, and Saliu Suleiman, chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) in the state, highlights several critical issues.
At the heart of the matter is the non-implementation of the N35,000 wage award for all categories of workers, a decision which stems from the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. Additionally, organized labor expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s failure to domesticate and enforce the 40% peculiar allowances approved by the federal government. The demands also encompass the payment of consequential adjustments to pensioners following the federal government’s approval of the current new minimum wage in 2019, as well as the outstanding arrears owed to local government workers.
Furthermore, the labor movement lamented the insufficient funding of state-owned tertiary institutions, the unresolved status of Kwara Hotel workers, and the inadequate placement of redeployed Water Corporation staff within the core Kwara Civil Service. In response to the state government’s perceived disregard for these concerns, the labor representatives felt compelled to issue the ultimatum, fearing a potential disruption of industrial peace and harmony.
The ultimatum, effective from January 9, 2024, underscores the deep-seated frustration within the labor force due to the government’s failure to address their grievances. Despite previous attempts by the NLC and TUC to engage the government through written correspondence, the response has been underwhelming, with no meaningful efforts made to redress the issues raised.
In a stern statement, the labor representatives emphasized the government’s consistent refusal to honor and implement agreements entered into with the workforce. The ultimatum serves as a pivotal moment, signaling the resolve of the labor movement to secure tangible outcomes on behalf of the workers in Kwara State.
As the deadline looms, the state government faces mounting pressure to address the comprehensive array of concerns raised by organized labor. The next two weeks will undoubtedly prove critical in determining the trajectory of labor relations in Kwara State.
