- NLC, TUC, JNC join forces for total shutdown
- Decries non-implementation of promotions
- Says no gratuity for LG retirees since 2012
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Organized Labour in Cross River state says beginning from Tuesday, October 12, 2021, the entire workforce will embark on a sit-at-home strike until further notice to press home their demands.
The Labour’s threat, contained in a notice issued on Monday, said the total shut down action includes both Local and state government workers and further directives will be given in due course.
Expressing their resolve to commence the indefinite strike in a Bulletin 1 titled “Commencement of Strike Action” by Cross River state organised labour, are the State Chapters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) as well as the State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC).
In a notification letter addressed to Governor Ben Ayade, and signed by Chairman of NLC, Comrade Ben Ukpebi; TUC Leader, Comrade Monday Ogbodum and the JNC representative, Comrade Godwin Otei respectively, the Labour movement said despite various reminders and ultimatum to the government, regrettably there has been no response.
Consequently, the statement said Labour has no choice but to embark on the indefinite strike, even as they accused the government of refusing to comply with the 14-point demands of labour in the state.
In a bulletin issued by the Labour Unions in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on Monday, October 11, all state and local government workers have been directed to “Down tools to press home our demands”. This is to enforce the industrial action scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
The Organized Labour said rising from a workers congress convened on Wednesday 6 October 2021 to discuss all the outstanding labour issues in the State; “It was agreed that in view of the numerous ultimatums and reminders given to the Government and the Government’s refusal to address the issues, a further three (3) days notice should be issued with effect from Thursday, 7 October to Monday 11th October 2021.
“It was further resolved that failure on the part of the Government to address these issues will result in the withdrawal of the services of workers across the state”, adding that for purpose of emphasis, the issues in contention are non-implementation of promotions to workers of both State and local government level.
“Non-payment of gratuities to both State and Local Government workers; non-remittance of deductions from workers salaries; full implementation of the minimum wage to both State and local government workers amongst others.”
Among other demands by Labour include the non-implementation of full 27.5% teachers enhancement allowance, stoppage of tax exemption and allowance for teachers, payment of hazard allowances for medical and health workers, the inclusion of all staff employed but not yet payrolled by the state.
To formally signal Labour’s intention, their bulletin read in parts; “Dear comrades, whereas an enlarged Congress of organized labour, met on Wednesday 6th October 2021 at Nigerian Civil service Union NCSU Secretariat, to deliberate on the many issues, troubling the workers of Cross River State.
“Whereas the Congress, after extensive deliberation, resolved that all the workers in the state and local government should down tools to press home our grievances. Workers are hereby called upon to stay at home, from Tuesday 12th October 2021 Comrades stay at home until you hear from us.”
As at press time, the State government had not responded to the Organised Labour’s demands. The labour unions had earlier on its October 7th 2021 Congress, summed up a 14 point demand to Governor Ben Ayade-led state administration.
