TheCable

The organised labour in Kogi state has suspended its seven-week strike following government’s promise to pay workers one-month salary out of the 22-month salary arrears being owed them.

The decision to call off the strike was announced on Friday in Lokoja during an agreement signing ceremony between the state government and the organised Labour.

Simon Achuba the deputy governor, led the government negotiating team while the Onu Edoka, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) led the labour team.

The workers went on strike in September to protest non-payment of their salary and allowances.

The suspension of the strike was with immediate effect but workers will resume in their various offices on Monday.

Edoka, in a brief remark, said labour decided to suspend the strike following an agreement with the government on some of their demands.

He said that the two parties agreed to honour the agreement.

“The agreement was signed after much consultations by both parties to bring about lasting peace between the workers and government,” he said.

The agreement reads in part that the controversial “clock- in and out” policy will be a test run for three months after a which final decision on its desirability will be taken.

The agreement also stated that pardoned and omitted staff, as well as new retirees, will be put on the payroll and paid their full month salary and pension respectively on or before November 17.

Achuba thanked the labour leaders for their understanding and said the government would continue to interface with them regularly.