The Organized Labour in Abia State has issued a final seven-day ultimatum to the state government over the non-payment of the N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage award approved by the federal government for workers.
This warning comes after the expiry of a previous 14-day ultimatum without any resolution from the state government.
The Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has threatened to commence an indefinite strike action if their demands are not met within the one-week deadline. The unions also warned that they would no longer communicate with the state government before embarking on the indefinite strike if the demands remain unmet.
In a letter signed by the State chairmen of the NLC and TUC, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya and Sir Enogwe Ihechi, respectively, the labour unions disclosed that the decision was reached during their general meeting held on Monday, July 8, 2024. The letter was addressed to Governor Dr. Alex Otti and expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to engage in dialogue or provide a solution to the workers’ demands.
The letter read: “Arising from the general meeting of Labour in the state on Monday, 8th July 2024, to consider that the 14-day ultimatum has elapsed, it was noticed that the government has not deemed it necessary to dialogue with Labour nor provide a solution to the demands of workers. In line with the national directives on non-compliance of the Abia state government on the payment of the former N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage award as approved by the federal government since October 2023, the organized labour hereby issues this final 7-day ultimatum with effect from the day of receipt of this letter and states unequivocally that at the expiration of this ultimatum on Sunday, there shall be no further communication to the state government rather the entire workforce of Abia state will proceed on indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 15th July 2024.”
The letter underscores the unions’ frustration with the state government’s inaction and highlights the potential for widespread disruption if the wage issues are not resolved promptly.
The Organized Labour’s firm stance indicates a growing tension between the workers and the state administration, calling for urgent attention to avoid an indefinite strike that could significantly impact the state’s operations.
