Plateau civil servants have stated that they will only suspend their ongoing strike if the state government pays the outstanding balance of their February and March salaries. This was disclosed by Eugene Manji, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chapter in Plateau State, during a press conference in Jos on Wednesday.
The civil servants embarked on an indefinite strike on May 11 after the government failed to meet their demands, which included the payment of salaries and other entitlements. Mr Manji explained that the workers might consider returning to work if the government meets their demands.
“We had requested the previous administration, under the leadership of former Governor Simon Lalong, to pay civil servants who were yet to receive their February salaries and also settle the salary arrears for March. Unfortunately, this request was not heeded,” Mr Manji said.
“When the current government came into power, they asked us to give them time to review our demands. However, we firmly believe that government is a continuum. Eventually, they agreed to pay, but only after verifying the actual staff strength of the civil service.”
Mr Manji further explained that if the government shows a genuine willingness and commitment to pay after the verification process, they will convene a meeting with the workers to discuss the possibility of suspending the strike.
“We are closely monitoring the ongoing screening exercise, which commenced on Tuesday. If our members begin to receive the promised bank credit alerts, then we will hold a meeting,” he stressed.
He also stated that the NLC is aware that the House of Assembly had given Governor Caleb Mutfwang approval to secure a facility to clear the backlog of salary arrears.
“We want to give the government the benefit of the doubt and return to work after the payment of the one-month arrears with the hope that they will fulfill their promise for the remaining months,” Mr Manji said.
However, he made it clear that if the government reneges on their commitment, the workers will have no alternative but to resume the industrial action.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) remains hopeful that the government will honor its obligations and prioritize the welfare of workers in Plateau State.
NAN
