Organised Labour in Abia State Suspends Strike Ultimatum

The organised labour in Abia State has decided to suspend the seven-day strike ultimatum it had issued to the state government. The strike, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, was called off after Governor Alex Otti met with representatives of the labour union and directed the state Accountant General to reconcile the actual amount that the least paid worker in the state should receive as minimum wage.

The strike ultimatum was issued by the labour union due to the government’s failure to hold a dialogue regarding the payment of the expired N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage award, as approved by the Federal Government. Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, the state NLC Chairman, stated that the government was currently paying N20,100 as minimum wage, while workers in the local governments received N18,000.

During the meeting, Governor Otti assured the labour union that the state has been preparing for the implementation of the new national minimum wage. He emphasized the need for an increase in the national minimum wage, considering factors such as the removal of petrol subsidy, inflation, and the harmonization of the foreign exchange rate.

After the meeting, Okoro warned the state government that failure to adhere to and implement the Memorandum of Understanding reached by July 28 would result in an indefinite strike. He outlined the details of the agreement, which included the payment of the outdated N30,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage award, severance allowances to Directors and Permanent Secretaries compulsorily retired, payment of current leave allowances, and a three-month N15,000 monthly wage award from July to September 2024.

The State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe, also expressed his support for the labour union’s decision. He highlighted the ongoing discussions between the labour and the state government on various issues that require attention.

The suspension of the strike ultimatum demonstrates the willingness of the organised labour to engage in constructive dialogue with the government to address the concerns of workers. It also provides an opportunity for further negotiations and resolution of the outstanding issues. The labour union remains committed to ensuring that workers’ rights and welfare are protected and improved in Abia State.