Workers under the aegis of the Joint National Public Service in Plateau state have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over non-payment of their salary arrears.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Titus Malau, chairman of the workers’ council, said the workers were being owed three months’ salaries.
Malau also listed lack of promotion, non-implementation of existing salary structure, and third-party dedications as part of the issues.
He said the workers had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government which expired on May 3, adding that the government failed to respond.
He alleged that the state government is not concerned about the welfare of its workers.
“In line with our seven days ultimatum which expired on May 3, the leadership of the joint council has made frantic efforts to avert an industrial upheaval by meeting with government to reach an amicable resolution on two occasions,” Malau said.
“On May 3 and May 4, we met with the government but it was unable to address the vexed issues.
“In our last sitting, the representative of government appealed that we grant them an extension of two weeks within which our demands will be met.
“But the leadership of the council met and considered the extension of four days, from Friday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 10, to enable government address these pressing issues.
“If by May 10 the situation remains unchanged, we will be left with no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike action to press for our demands.”
Malau called on the workers to exercise patience and remain resolute while awaiting the government’s response to the ultimatum.
