Rivers NLC Halts Teachers’ Salary Deductions

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, has directed the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to immediately suspend further deductions from teachers' salaries for its End-Well Scheme following complaints by affected members.

The directive comes amid allegations by some teachers that deductions were made from their June and August salaries without their consent.

In a statement signed by the Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, the labour centre also appealed to teachers who had planned a protest over the deductions to suspend the action.

The NLC said the decision was taken to allow room for dialogue and wider consultations with all parties involved in resolving the dispute.

According to the Congress, the planned protest could heighten tension in Port Harcourt, particularly as the city is hosting the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference.

The labour body also disclosed that it had received intelligence suggesting that another group was planning a counter-protest.

It warned that simultaneous demonstrations could degenerate into clashes and endanger lives and property.

The NLC assured teachers that it was committed to ensuring that their grievances were addressed through peaceful engagement with the relevant stakeholders.

It added that the suspension of the salary deductions and the planned protest would create an opportunity to reach an amicable resolution in the interest of teachers and industrial harmony in the state.