Plateau workers have commenced an indefinite strike after the failure of the government to meet their demands.

The action was declared in a notice of strike issued by the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Plateau chapter, on Wednesday night in Jos.

The notice, jointly signed by Plateau JNC chairman Titus Malau and secretary Timothy Gopep, said the strike followed the expiration of four days extension of the earlier seven-day ultimatum given to the government.

They said the ultimatum and the extension were communicated in their letters dated April 19, 2023, and May 3, 2023.

The JNC officials explained that the council held a meeting on May 10 with the head of the civil service and the secretary to the government of the state in attendance.

“It is evidently clear that the government has not shown enough commitment to address the issues as presented in our charter of demands before its tenure expires, as earlier promised,” the workers noted. “However, following a joint meeting between the JNC and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership, it was resolved that an indefinite strike action be declared.”

The workers added, “The action is imperative since the government reneged in fulfilling its own part of the agreement despite a series of promises. We are, therefore, directing all our affiliate unions that the strike commenced from midnight of May 10, 2023.”

According to them, all affiliate unions are directed to adhere strictly and ensure total compliance until workers’ demands are met.

The workers are battling the Plateau government over unpaid salaries, among many other demands. 

(NAN)