The unions are calling on the Benue government to reverse the reduction of workers’ salaries.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Benue, have ordered their members to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from July 31 if the state government fails to meet their demands.

This was disclosed in a communiqué jointly signed by the NLC Chairman, Simon Anchaver, and his TUC counterpart, Ordue Tartenger, in Makurdi after their meeting.

The two unions in the communiqué called on the Benue government to reverse the reduction of workers’ salaries or face the wrath of the workers.

The unions also expressed worry over the decision of government to unilaterally deduct salaries of workers in spite of the position of the organised labour that it would resist attempt to reduce workers’ salaries.

“The joint session observes with dismay the non-payment of minimum wage to pensioners and the non-implementation of 15 per cent and 2.5 per cent increment to pensioners. We also observe that primary school teachers are yet to enjoy the full implementation of the minimum wage, they should also be paid alongside with other workers,” the communiqué said.

The organised labour called on the state government to refund excess tax deduction from its members since 2011 and refund all deductions made in respect of the national housing funds.

“The three years leave and transport grant arrears owed our members by the state government must also be paid forthwith. The state government should address other issues affecting our members before the close of work on Wednesday or else we will embark on an indefinite strike July 31,” it said.

Gov. Gabriel Suswam ordered the deduction of all staff salaries in the state to enable the government implement the primary school teachers’ minimum wage.

(NAN)