The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its intention to launch a series of protests in Imo State commencing on November 1st. The move comes as a response to the alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the state government. This was revealed by Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, during a news conference held in Abuja on Sunday.
Expressing the deep concern of the NLC, Ajaero stated that the Imo State government has persistently undermined the rights of workers in the state, despite numerous attempts at engaging in constructive dialogue and reaching peaceful agreements. This habitual and serial violation of workers’ rights and privileges has left the NLC with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions.
“The protests, which are set to begin on November 1st, 2023, serve as a powerful demonstration of our collective outrage,” Ajaero emphasized. The NLC President further highlighted the fact that the state government has continuously failed to implement previous agreements, specifically referring to the accord reached between the government and organized labour on January 9th, 2021.
One of the key issues raised by Ajaero during the conference was the non-payment of salaries to a significant number of workers, who have been unjustly labeled as “ghost workers.” These hardworking individuals have endured a staggering 20 months without receiving their salaries. The declaration of workers as ghost workers, Ajaero stressed, is a grave injustice, as approximately 11,000 diligent employees have been subjected to salary diversions while faithfully fulfilling their duties.
The wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat was also condemned during the press conference. Ajaero characterized this act as a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body. Other grievances brought forward by the NLC President include the implementation of discriminatory pay, unsettled gratuity arrears, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage, among others.
In light of these egregious violations, the Nigeria Labour Congress is calling on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State. The NLC implores the state government to fulfill its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. However, Ajaero firmly stated that the NLC will persist in its course of action until the desired change is seen.
Ajaero also raised concerns about the government’s use of force against trade unions, emphasizing that the NLC will hold the Governor of Imo State accountable for any harm that befalls workers or trade union leaders during the lawful protests. He concluded by reiterating the NLC’s determination to see this struggle through, regardless of the threats and violence aimed at deterring them.
The Nigeria Labour Congress remains steadfast in its mission to protect the interests and rights of workers in Imo State.
