Katsina Labour Unions Reject Pension Law Amendment
Katsina State Chairman of TUC
Comrade Muntari Abdu Rumah
The Organised Labour in Katsina State has rejected attempt by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to amend the state’s pension law, saying that the proposed amendment would worsen the plight of retired workers.
The unions took the decision after a meeting held at the state headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Katsina.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Muntari Abdu Rumah, said the labour unions unanimously rejected the proposed review of the pension law just six months after it came into effect.
“We do not support this amendment at all. The current pension framework, which has been in place for the past six months, was the one we collectively agreed upon.
“The proposed system being pushed forward mirrors that of the federal government, which we believe is not suitable for our local realities. It will bring hardship to workers who retire under this new system, and we will not accept it,” Rumah stated.
He said that the organised labour believed that there was no proper consultation to secure backing for the amendment, alleging that some few individuals were brought together to push the government agenda.
The TUC chairman said they only got a copy of the proposed amendment 24 hours before it was slated for consideration by the state House of Assembly.
Rumah commended the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahaya, for making the proposal available to labour representatives 24 hours before the meeting.
“We appreciate the Speaker and the Assembly for allowing us to study the document. Their actions show that they are working in the interest of the masses and the development of Katsina State,” he added.
The labour unions advised Governor Radda to withdraw the proposal, so as not to intentionally endorse a policy that would bring hardship to workers and retirees in the state.
