The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated an indefinite strike due to the state’s failure to address the backlog of unpaid salaries and pension arrears. This decision was announced during a protest held by union members in Umuahia, the state capital, on Tuesday. Chris Onyeka, the assistant general secretary of the union in Abia, led the protest and emphasized that it was a response to the state government’s inaction regarding a directive from NLC National President Joe Ajero, which called for the payment of outstanding salaries to Abia workers.
Onyeka highlighted that the national leadership of the NLC, under Ajero, is committed to the welfare of workers and will not passively observe the Abia State government, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, neglecting the needs of its members. He stated, “Our national president wrote to the Abia state government regarding the necessity of paying workers their salary arrears, but the government did not respond to the letter.” He further explained that the state government was given a 14-day ultimatum to resolve the issues related to unpaid salaries, which expired on February 28, 2023, leading to the decision to embark on an indefinite strike to assert the demands of Abia workers.
Additionally, Onyeka criticized the state government’s approach, noting that instead of engaging in discussions to find a resolution, they have resorted to intimidating workers. He asserted, “No amount of intimidation will make us stop the indefinite strike.” This statement underscores the determination of the union to continue their action until their demands are met.
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