The Katsina State Government and labour unions in the state reached a consensus in the early hours of Saturday after a series of negotiations on the new minimum wage.
The government agreed to commence the payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage in December 2024.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, said, “This landmark decision followed nine hours of intense deliberations between representatives of the state government and labour unions.”
He explained that the discussions focused on reconciling workers’ demands with the government’s financial capacity, ensuring that the new wage policy is sustainable while addressing the economic realities faced by the workforce.
“The decision is a testament to Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration’s dedication to prioritising the needs of civil servants and fostering harmonious labour relations,” Faskari added.
Acknowledging the financial implications of the decision, Faskari said that the government thoroughly assessed its fiscal position and was confident in its ability to implement the new wage structure without compromising other developmental projects or essential services.
He said plans were underway to streamline the payroll system to ensure a smooth transition and prompt payment of the adjusted salaries.
Earlier on Friday, deliberations between the parties hit the rocks, with representatives of the labour unions staging a walk-out following seeming “irreconcilable differences”.
According to reports, the deadlock arose following the government’s insistence that payment of the new minimum wage should begin in January 2025, while labour stood its ground that it should start with the December 2024 salaries.
The parties reconvened later, and the talks dragged on, ending at about 1.30 am on Saturday.
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