The seven day warning strike embarked upon by Niger state chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC has paralised social and economic activities in parts of the state.
The strike which began today after several meetings between representatives of organised labour and Niger state government ended in a deadlock, is expected to press home their demands.
At the Niger State Transport Authority, all the two gates were under lock and key while all state government offices have been deserted and schools closed.
Though banks remain opened for commercial activities! they are expected to be closed if no tangible agreement is reached between Niger state government and organised labour after twenty four hours.
When contacted on telephone, state Chairman of the NLC Comrade Yakubu Garba expressed satisfaction on the level of strict compliance with the strike by all affiliate bodies of NLC.
Comrade Yakubu Garba however maintained that the strike will continue until their demands were met.
NLC in Niger state is demanding among other things resumption of payment of gratuities of Civil Servants that has been abandoned for two years and immediate payment of thirty percent June salary for year 2020 that was not paid due to Coronavirus pandemic.
Others include the release of withheld cooperative Endwell Union dues and National Housing funds money by Niger state government as well as to stop without further delay problem of percentage salary payment to some primary school teachers in the state who have been on strike for eight weeks.
Though representatives of NLC and Niger state government are currently deliberating in a round table discussion on the way forward , all efforts to contact state Commissioner of Information and Strategy Alhaji Mohammed Sani Idris for further comment were unsuccessful.
Aliu Lawal
