Kwara workers are staging protests against a new tax regime introduced by the state government, arguing that it undermines the recently approved minimum wage of N70,000 for public servants. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) voiced their dissatisfaction with the unexpected tax deductions, which go against previous agreements for tax relief related to the wage increase.

Labor Leaders Demand Immediate Action

In a joint meeting in Ilorin, labor leaders demanded a reduction in the tax percentage on workers’ salaries and called for a 12-month tax holiday to ease the financial strain on employees. They also pointed out the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage for pensioners, stressing the urgency of these issues to prevent potential industrial unrest.

Call for Resolution to Maintain Industrial Harmony

The labor groups criticized the government’s actions, asserting that the new tax contradicts the earlier negotiations regarding the wage increase. They are urging the government to address these concerns quickly to ensure industrial harmony in the state.