The Federal Government says Kaduna and any other State must dialogue with Labour as enshrined in the International Labour Organisation Conventions, which Nigeria is a signatory.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige who is presiding over the ongoing meeting says although Labour has a right to strike according to the provisions of the law, it is not to obstruct the provision of essential services.
The Minister however said that should he fail to reconcile both NLC and the Kaduna State Government within one week, the matter will be transferred to a higher authority as prescribed by the Trade Unions Dispute Act.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Jafaru Sani who is leading the Kaduna State delegation jointly with the State Head of Service, Bariatu Mohammed said that the national minimum wage is been implemented in the State along with public service reform policies.
He said over 7,000 teachers have been recruited to fill in vacancies, noting that the public service consumes N4 out of every N5 received from revenue sources.
He said the NLC strike and protest came as a rude shock to the State Government and condemns what he describes as a violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, by NLC members who obstructed economic activities in the State.
Also Read: FG wades into NLC strike against Kaduna State
In his remarks, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said the Labour movement is committed to social dialogue, collective bargaining arrangement and tripartism.
Wabba said redundancy was declared in Kaduna State in the implementation of a right-sizing policy without engaging labour and without payment of due entitlements to the disengaged workers. He added that before any sack is contemplated the government must first engage the workers’ unions.
Wabba said the strike was a result of last resort since letters sent to the State Government had not received responses.
The meeting has since entered into a technical section.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
