- They also warned they would not notify the government before starting the strike if their demands remain unaddressed
The Organized Labour in Abia State has issued a final 7-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.
Comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Labour unions have threatened an indefinite strike if their demands are not met within the week.
They also warned they would not notify the government before starting the strike if their demands remain unaddressed.
In a letter from the State Chairmen of NLC and TUC, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya and Sir Enogwe Ihechi, respectively, the unions revealed this decision followed a general meeting on July 8, 2024, after a previous 14-day ultimatum expired without resolution. Addressed to Governor Dr. Alex Otti, the letter expressed disappointment over the lack of dialogue and warned that workers would strike indefinitely if the demands are not met within the 7-day period.
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 government has not deemed it necessary to dialogue with Labour nor provide 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 issue this final 7 day ultimatum with effect from the day of receipt of this letter and state 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.”