Labour unions in Kaduna State have rejected plans by the state government to deduct 25 per cent of workersโ salaries to contribute to the stateโs COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the state Deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe had in a state broadcast on April 9, announced that modalities were being worked out for all employees of the state to contribute to the Covid-19 Emergency Fund.
Some heads of the labour unions confirmed to NAN that the Head of Civil Service of the State, Mrs Bariyatu Mohammed had met with labour leaders on April 14 on the planned salary deductions.
The Chairman, Kaduna State Council of NLC, Ayuba Sulaiman told NAN, in Kaduna on Friday, that the planned deduction of 25 per cent of workers salary did not go down well with the union leaders.
He however explained that the head of service had invited the union leaders and solicited for workersโ support and contributions to the Covid-19 Emergency Fund.
โWe excused her and deliberated over the matter among ourselves and some of us suggested 3.0 per cent salary deduction while others suggested 5.0 per cent.
โAt the end, we put it to vote and 13 of us voted for five per cent deduction while 10 others voted for three per cent.
โBut the head of service rejected our offer and informed us that the State Executive Council had already concluded to deduct 25 per cent of workers salary.โ
Suleiman added that the unions were waiting for a circular to that effect for them to decide on the next line of action.
Danlami told NAN that: โWe all thought we were invited for the meeting to agree on the percentage to be deducted, as part of workers contribution in support of government efforts.
โBut to our surprise, our resolution as union leaders was turned down by the head of service, insisting that the 25 per cent deduction would be spread across the months April and May.
โThe good thing is that, we have informed the head of service that we are only consenting to 5.0 per cent deductions and we still stand by it.
The head of service did not respond to several calls and text messages put across to her by NAN on the matter.
However, a top government official, who did not want his name mentioned told NAN that the state government was yet to take final decision on the 25 percent deduction of the workers salaries.
According to him, what the government has decided firmly is that, political appointees such as commissioners, special advisers and heads of agencies will donate N500,000 in April as their contributions.
โAs for civil servants, no decision has been reached, but discussions are ongoing.
