Ongoing Talks Aim to Resolve Labour Dispute in Kwara – NLC

The Kwara State government is in active negotiations with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as they work to address the 14-day ultimatum issued by the labor union. The ultimatum, set to expire on January 26, 2024, hangs in the balance with hopes that the government will address the over 20 demands presented by the labor movement.

Among the demands is the implementation of the N35,000 wage award for all categories of state workers. The labor movement also seeks the domestication and implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance for workers, a provision approved for federal government employees. Additionally, demands include the implementation of consequential adjustment for pensioners and weigh-in allowances for workers in state-owned media houses.

A meeting between the labor movement and the government, which took place in Ilorin, is set to continue on Monday, with expectations for a resolution by the NLC on Tuesday. Chairman of the NLC, Saheed Murtala Olayinka, expressed skepticism about a comprehensive solution to the demands but highlighted that the labor movement presented over 21 demands to the state government.

During the last meeting with government representatives, including Mahe Abdulkadir, Chief of Staff to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and the finance commissioner, the NLC laid down their grievances. Olayinka mentioned that the government promised to address the most critical demands and assured better conditions for workers before the January 26 deadline.

If the government fails to fulfill its promises, the NLC intends to stand firm in defending the interests of workers in the state. Another meeting is scheduled before the ultimatum expires, and the outcome on Tuesday will determine the NLC’s course of action. Concerns have been raised about the government’s transparency regarding revenue sources beyond federal allocation, such as bailouts, grants, and financial assistance from the federal government.