Workers’ Day: Kebbi NLC demands payment of gratuities to retirees, 2020 leave grants to workers

Workers’ Day: Kebbi NLC demands payment of gratuities to retirees, 2020 leave grants to workers

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), in Kebbi State, has called on Gov. Atiku Bagudu to pay gratuities to retirees and 2020 leave grants to state, local governments and local government education authorities’ workers in the state.

Alhaji Umar Halidu-Alhassan, the state Chairman of the union, made the call in Birnin Kebbi while marking the 2021 Workers Day on Saturday.

“We are calling on Gov. Atiku Bagudu to fast-track payment of gratuities to our retirees, and 2020 leave grants to state, local governments and local government education authorities’ (LGEA) workers in the state,” he called.

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Halidu-Alhassan also called the state government to ensure the enrolment of functional health insurance that covered all workers in the state through Kebbi Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (KECHEMA)

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“The healthcare givers in the state such as doctors, nurses and other health professionals are being exposed to covid-19 pandemic challenges and the state government should pay them hazard allowances,” he said.

The chairman used the occasion to condole the state government over the unwarranted killing of DPO, local vigilante and civilians in Sakaba Local Government Area of the state.

In his remarks, Gov. Bagudu, thanked the organised labour for their patience and understanding,saying that since he came onboard he had maintained a very good relationship with the labour.

“NLC are aware of the burden of gratuities the government inherited and how far we have gone in trying to clear the debts.

“In spite of the dwindling resources,the state government still pays salaries, runs the government and puts in some infrastructure in the state.

“They union should liaise with the Ministry of Finance for a way out.

“On the 2020 leave grants, the state cannot afford to pay but you should meet with Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Head of Service to fine tune on how best the workers will be assisted,” he said.

The governor, while congratulating the workers, urge Nigerians to support the President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic diversification programme in oder to move the country to a greater height.