Labour in Abia State Issues Final Ultimatum, Plans Indefinite Strike

The organized labour in Abia State has issued a final ultimatum to the state government regarding the alleged non-payment of the N30,000 minimum wage and N35,000 palliative award. Despite assurances from Governor Alex Otti that the new wages would be implemented after the Federal government concludes negotiations with organized labour, workers are now poised to strike.

In a letter dated July 8, 2024, numbered No.ORGL/ABS/Vol.11/002 and signed by Okoro Ogbonnaya, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State, and Enogwe Ihechi, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), addressed to Governor Alex Otti through his Chief of Staff, the organized labour set a deadline. They threatened that unless their demands are met, workers across the state will commence a strike from Monday, July 15, 2024.

The decision to issue this final ultimatum followed a general meeting held on Monday, July 8, where it was noted that an earlier 14-day ultimatum had expired without the state government engaging in negotiations to address the workers’ grievances.

According to the letter obtained by NIGERIA NEWS 247, organized labour emphasized that their action aligns with national directives due to the alleged non-compliance of the Abia State government. It stated firmly that if their demands are not met by the deadline, all workers in Abia State will proceed on an indefinite strike starting from Monday, July 15, 2024, at 00:00 hours.