The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in Benue on Thursday commenced a two-week warning strike over unpaid salaries and other unresolved welfare issues.
The union, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Joshua Adinya, and Secretary, Musa Yusuf, in Makurdi, said the strike followed the expiration of a series of ultimatums earlier issued to the state government.
According to the statement, the State Executive Council (SEC) of the union, at a meeting held on April 21, demanded the unconditional payment of March and April salaries owed to local government workers across the state.
It also demanded the release and implementation of all pending promotions of local government staff, as well as the resolution of issues affecting the smooth implementation of Benue Public Service Contributory Pension Scheme(BEPCON) remittances.
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The union further called for the reinstatement of disengaged 2011/2012 local government workers and the payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to workers.
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The statement noted that the SEC reconvened on May 7 after the expiration of the initial 14-day ultimatum and issued an additional seven-working-day reminder notice to the government.
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It said the state government allegedly failed to respond to its demands or take steps to avert the industrial action.
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The union expressed disappointment that the government remained adamant and ignored all the opportunities offered to resolve the disputes.
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It said it had been pushed to the wall and was left with no option but to direct all local government workers to commence a two-week stay-at-home warning strike effective Thursday, May 14.
The union directed all branches across the 23 local government areas of the state to ensure full compliance, warning that the action would result in a total shutdown of activities at the third tier of government until the issues are addressed.
