…AS BENUE NLC BEGINS STRIKE

Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will today embark on a three-day warning strike to press for the implementation of the new minimum wage. State NLC Chairman, Simon Anchaver who disclosed this in a telephone interview with Daily Sun explained that the three-day warning strike became necessary following the failure of Benue state government to meet the demands of labour over the 18,000 minimum wage.

The warning strike which is to commence today and end on Friday is aimed at drawing the attention of Governor Suswan on the urgent need to pay the new minimum wage without any further delay.

The NLC had during a meeting with the state government insisted that the issue of New National Minimum wage (act 2011) is a matter of law, which must be respected and honored.

In a press release made available to newsmen on Monday, the NLC stated that it was unfortunate that Benue State government seems to undermine the enabling law, the cooperation and understanding of congress in the on going negotiation.

Governor Suswam had during a recent interractive session with journalists in the state, stated that, his administration would pay the 18,000 minimum wage but some staff auditing would have to be done.

The Governor who noted that the state would require N2.4 billion as against N1.4 billion wage bill it is paying currently to pay the new minimum wage posited that, unless there is increase in revenue from federation account, it is going to be a very difficult situation for the state to able to pay.