NLC threatens showdown with Kano government over wage cut

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to cause industrial crisis in Kano State if the Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje-led government refuses to stop paying old N18,000 minimum wage to workers in the State as witnessed in November and December 2020. NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a letter dated January 4, and addressed to the governor, […]

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to cause industrial crisis in Kano State if the Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje-led government refuses to stop paying old N18,000 minimum wage to workers in the State as witnessed in November and December 2020.

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a letter dated January 4, and addressed to the governor, said Ganduje should immediately intervene in the looming industrial disharmony that could cause unnecessary industrial unrest in the State.

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Daily Trust reports that Governor’s Ganduje’s Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, had last week Wednesday said; “the state government reverted to the initial minimum pay due to recession” by ‘cutting’ the two-month salaries.

“What we are getting now as a government has reduced, and we can’t afford to pay the N30, 000 minimum wage,” Yakasai had said.

But labour expressed dismay at the claim, arguing that this is not the best time to tamper with wages or salaries of workers considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Wabba said in the letter that: “If there is any time to even increase workers take home, it is now as the impact of the COVID-19 has pauperized millions of workers in the world including many of our compatriots in Nigeria.

“We demand that the cuts in salaries paid to Kano State workers be stopped forthwith and the shortfalls reimbursed immediately.

“We also demand that the Kano State government goes back to the lawful discharge of its obligation to pay the New National Minimum Wage of N30,000.

“The consequential adjustment is a product of Collective Bargaining which the Kano State Government is duty bound to honour.

“While we look forward to your immediate intervention to stave off a looming but unnecessary industrial unrest in Kano State, please accept the renewed assurances of our highest esteem.”