Mr.Azi Atang Izam Plateau State Head of service

By Daniel Dauda, Jos
 

After several weeks of discussion, deliberation and negotiations, the Joint Negotiating Council(JNC) Government, Labour Union and the 17 Local Government Chairmen in Plateau State have finally agreed and signed the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage.

Recall in November 2020, the Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT) and other Labour Union under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employee(NULGE), stage out protests across the 17 local government area of Plateau demanding for the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage.

A situation that generated a lot of set back to the state as economic activities were grounded.

Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Izang Atang Izam commended  both parties for exercising high sense of maturity in addressing the issues.

He said "You have to brace up for the tasks ahead because the sustainability of minimum wage is a collective responsibility."

Hon. Ezekiel V. Pabuet, Plateau State ALGON Chairman Reading the Communique

While reading the communique jointly sign by all parties involved in the negotiation held at Old Government House Rayfield on 12th January,2021, ALGON chairman, Hon. Ezekiel V. Pabuet outline the following;

1.Local Government Council Chairmen thanked the State Government for returning the payment of Local Government staff salaries to the respective Local Government Councils.

2.The Local Government and Labour further appreciated the for his support and commitment to a harmonious labour relation in the 9State.

3.The Local Government Council Chairmen have agreed to implement New National Minimum Wage of N30,000.00 to Local Government Workers.

4.That a staff audit shall be carried out immediately to ascertain the actual
staff strength of both Local Government Staff and Primary School Teachers in the Local Governments. Membership of the Audit Committee to be broad-based and include labour.

5.Payments of the new minimum wage shall commence with effect from
November,2020 based on the agreed Salary Table.

6.The Local Government Council Chairmen and Labour shall jointly address any issue that might affect the smooth implementation of the New
MinimumWage.

7.Labour on the other hand,appealed that:
i.Payment of November and December salaries be paid immediately and centrally;
ii.The salary be periodically reviewed subject to the completion of the staff audit, improved Internally Generated Revenue(IGR)and reviewed Revenue Sharing Formula;
iii.Local Government Councils should look into the issue of Call Duty and Rural Posting allowance for deserving health workers and their salaries should remain consolidated;
iv.The State Government should in the spirit of negotiation, withdraw the pending case at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria(NICN)
instituted by the Government as well as the Local Government workers being prosecuted for their involvement in the struggle.

8.No staff should be victimized for involvement in the course of the struggle.