The organized labour in Abia State has issued a stern warning to the state government, announcing its intention to embark on an indefinite strike from July 15, 2024, if their demands are not met.
The strike notice was served on Monday, July 10, 2024, and is a culmination of the unions’ frustration over the non-payment of the N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative award.
According to the labour unions, the state government has failed to honour its promises, leaving them no choice but to take drastic action.
“We have given the government a seven-day ultimatum, which expires on July 14, 2024. If they fail to meet our demands, we will commence an indefinite strike on July 15, 2024,” said the labour leader.
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are leading the charge, with other affiliate unions pledging their support. The strike action is expected to paralyze economic activities in the state, with workers in all sectors participating.
Governor Alex Otti has attempted to appease the labour unions, promising to pay new wages immediately after the Federal government concludes its negotiation with the organized labour. However, the labour unions are skeptical, citing previous broken promises.
The state government claims to have been implementing the minimum wage, with the least paid worker receiving ₦30,000 as salary every month.
However, the labour unions dispute this, pointing out that there are issues with the payment of leave allowances and severance allowances for recently retired permanent secretaries and directors.
As the clock ticks down to the strike deadline, the people of Abia State are bracing themselves for the impact of the impending strike action.
Will the state government meet the labour unions’ demands, or will the strike go ahead as planned? Only time will tell.
