The organized labour in Kwara State has called for the immediate reversal of a new tax regime imposed on workers, following the recent implementation of a minimum wage of N70,000 for the lowest-paid public service employees.
During a joint State Administrative Council (SAC) meeting held in Ilorin, leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed their disappointment with the state government's decision to impose a significant tax deduction on workers’ salaries, which they argue contradicts prior negotiations aimed at providing tax relief in light of the new minimum wage.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, the labour leaders, including NLC Chairman Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka and TUC Chairman Comrade Olayinka Onikijipa, demanded a downward review of the tax percentage deducted from workers’ salaries.
They emphasized that the new tax policies were not in line with the commitments made by the government during wage negotiations.
The labour representatives urged the government to grant a 12-month tax holiday on the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage, suggesting this would provide much-needed relief for workers.
"The SAC of Joint Labour Centres met today to review the outcome of the new minimum wage payment to Kwara workers as approved by His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The committee observed with dismay the notorious percentage tax deducted from our members.
"This was at variance with government/labour discussion at the negotiation table for tax relief on added sum or status quo ante on the percentage tax deduction.
"In view of the above, the committee resolved that government should grant tax holiday to Kwara State workers on the added sum for at least 12 months to serve as succour for workers in the state, and to review downward the tax percentage on workers salary,” the statement read.
Additionally, the leaders warned that the state government's inaction on these issues could lead to industrial disharmony. They called for swift government action to address their demands and ensure that workers' rights are respected.
The labour unions have reiterated their commitment to advocating for fair treatment and welfare for all workers in Kwara State, urging the government to prioritize the concerns of its workforce as negotiations continue.
"Arising from the Joint SAC of NLC and TUC, we strongly condemned the recent tax imposed on Kwara State workers and demand reversal of it to avoid industrial disharmony.
"The Joint State Administrative Council (SAC) of NLC-TUC observed with deep concern the non-implementation of the 2024 N70,000 minimum wage for pensioners in the state.
"The SAC of NLC-TUC urged the state government to address the plight of pensioners in order to avert industrial disharmony", the labour leaders said.
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