The Organized Labour in Abia State, has issued what it described as a final 7 day- ultimatum to the state government over the non payment of the N30,000 minimum wage and N35,000 palliative wage award approved by the federal government for workers.
The organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress TUC, threatened to commence an indefinite strike action if their demands are not met with the one week ultimatum.
It also warned that it will no longer communicate to the state government before embarking on the indefinite strike action if the demands are not met within 7 days.
In a letter by the State chairmen of NLC and TUC, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya and Sir Enogwe Ihechi, respectively,the Labour unions disclosed that the decision was reached during its general meeting held on Monday, July 8, 2024, following the previous 14- day ultimatum notice which expired without any resolution from the state government regarding the demand of the workers.
In the letter which was addressed to Governor Dr. Alex Otti, the organized labour expressed its disappointment over the failure of the government to engage in dialogue or provide a solution to the demands and warned that from next Monday, the workers in the state would proceed on an indefinite strike action if the government fails to comply within the 7 days 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.