The organized labor in Abia State has announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike starting July 28, 2024, if the state government fails to honor its agreements.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Okoro Ogbonnaya, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman in Abia briefed the press on Sunday evening, advising civil servants to continue their duties until the strike notice is reviewed on July 28.
The labor leaders urged the Abia State government to adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding reached during their two-day negotiations.
They warned that no further notice would be given before workers down tools on July 28.
While commending the state government for its efforts in developing the state and paying pensions to retired workers, the leaders stressed the importance of addressing the interests of civil servants during this period of economic hardship.
They demanded the payment of gratuities for retired civil servants, noting that no agreement had been reached regarding gratuities during the negotiations.
They also supported Governor Alex Otti’s decision to reverse some command promotions that did not follow due process in civil service.
Ogbonnaya highlighted allegations that some civil servants were promoted from grade level 8 to grade level 13 by the previous administration, surpassing their superior officers.
The labor leaders accepted the state government’s proposal to pay a N15,000 wage award to Abia civil servants for three months.
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