Abia workers issue ultimatum to go on indefinite strike

Trade Unions in Abia State, on Sunday, issued a stern warning to the state government, declaring an indefinite strike if their demands are not met by July 28, 2024.

The ultimatum came after a series of negotiations failed to resolve key issues related to workers’ welfare.

An earlier threat of a strike on June 8, 2024 was temporarily averted when Governor Alex Otti intervened and instructed the state Accountant-General to hold discussions with labour leaders on their grievances. The points of contention included the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage, which the federal government had approved in October 2023.

Ogbonnaya Okoro, Abia State NLC Chairman, highlighted the gap in wage payments, noting that while the state claims to pay the minimum wage, actual figures show a disparity with workers receiving much less. Governor Otti, however, insisted that official records reflect compliance with the minimum wage requirement of N30,000.

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In a press conference held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, Okoro reiterated the union’s stance, stressing that the county government must honor the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed upon during the recent negotiations. The agreement covers not only the issue of wages but also the settlement of severance benefits for the Directors and Permanent Secretaries who are on mandatory retirement, as well as timely payment of leave allowances.

Echoing Okoro, Ihechi Eneogwe, Chairman of the Abia State Trade Union Congress, expressed frustration over the protracted discussions without any concrete action from the government. He stressed the urgency for state authorities to address the critical issue without further delay.

As the deadline approaches, tensions are mounting between the state government and the unions, raising concerns about the potential disruption that an indefinite strike could cause across sectors in Abia State. The fate of thousands of workers now hangs in the balance as both sides prepare for a defining period ahead.

Abia workers issue ultimatum to indefinite strike first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.