Zamfara civil servants begin indefinite strike

Civil servants in Zamfara State have embarked on an indefinite strike to protest against the failure of the government to meet their several demands.
The workers had earlier given the state government a 21-day ultimatum to meet certain demands or face industrial action.

The Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Bashir Mafara, announced the commencement of the industrial action after a joint meeting of the affiliated unions in Gusau.
According to him, the action was aimed at improving the workers’ welfare and development of the state.
He said: “Zamfara workers are faced with a number of problems which include: failure to pay the salaries of 1,400 recruited by the government more than two years ago; nonpayment of backlog of pension and gratuities; nonpayment of minimum wage to primary school teachers and local government employees as well as nonpayment of annual salary increment.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, have decided to declare an indefinite industrial action throughout the state from Tuesday, September 12, 2017.”

Mafara, who called for understanding among the workers in the state, urged them to stay at home and pray; adding that three ad hoc committees have been constituted to ensure the success of the strike.