By TERYIMA ANDREW-
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Plateau state, Comrade Eugene Manji has call on the Plateau state government to also consider paying retires on pension role in the newly implemented 30,000 minimum wage.
“Minimum wage goes side by side with pension; the constitution says anytime there is increase in the minimum wage, automatically pensioners should also benefit.”
The NLC boss made the call Wednesday in Jos at the Rwang-Pam Township stadium during the annual match pass by members of the Nigerian labour Congress and affiliated unions, including NUJ Plateau state council led by it chairman Mr. Paul Jatau, NUJ members participated for the first time ever.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong said his administration will pay the N30, 000 National Minimum approved by President Muhammadu Buhari Federal Government.
Governor, represented by the Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Azi, governor Lalong he is committed to continue with the prompt payment of salaries in the state.
“I was a member of the National Minimum Wage Committee representing the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and I have pledged to stand by the resolution reach thereof.
“We would assiduously work hard with you to improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state so as to meet up with the payment of the new Minimum Wage.”
The governor urged workers to collaborate with him and expose ghost workers in the State Civil Service, saying that will provide more resources to fund the minimum wage.
The (NLC) Chairman had said Labour are not surprised on the re-election of Governor Simon Lalong as he has kept faith with payment of salaries since he assumed office in 2015.
“We are not surprised at your emergence noting your popularity among Plateau workers. We commend Mr. Governor for the prompt payment of workers salary, payment of “No work, No pay”, payment of 2012 Leave Transport Allowance among meeting other several issues inherited by this administration.”
He said the will not compromised the negotiation on the implementation of the minimum wage and urged Government to to increase the payment of pension and gratuity of to retired workers as clearly stated in the law.
Chairman Civil Society Organisations in Plateau state, Steve Aluko applauded Lalong for payment of salaries for four years and urged him not to renege on the covenant that workers enter into in 2015.