Gamji Members Association (GAMA), a body for followers of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna), revealed that the industrial action by the labour union, planned to begin on Monday, October 12, 2020 over the non-execution of N30,000 minimum wage by the Kwara State Government will be detrimental to Kwarans.
The group urged the Labour unions to have a rethink of mobilising its members for the proposed industrial action.
The strike notice given by the Organised labour, to the state government over failure on the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage elapsed early today.
Alhaji Abdullahi Yinka Agaka, the Publicity Secretary of the pan-northern Nigerian group, disclosed in a statement that, ‘While we understand the standpoint of the labour unions, especially from the point of view of the rising cost of living, we caution that embarking on an industrial action is not the solution. This is especially true when we consider the fact that the state government’s finances are stretched already.’
‘Like the state government has been doing, we also appeal to the workers to have a rethink, embrace more talks and appreciate the fact that the government, whatever its imperfections, has shown good faith in handling workers’ welfare social investments and infrastructural development, even during COVID-19 when it never stopped paying or cut workers’ salaries like a few states did. Similarly, we call on the government to continue to engage the labour unions since both sides comprise patriotic elements.’
He proceeded by saying, ‘We appeal to both sides to act according to the realities of the state. A strike will hurt millions of people. Both sides have a responsibility to not bring unnecessary hardship to the populace. If there is any strike, both sides will still return to the negotiating table and this explains the futility of letting things get to the point of strike.’