Ogun State Workers Suspend 10-Day Strike

The striking workers in Ogun State have suspended their indefinite industrial action “for two weeks,” the duration which is to enable the state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, look into their demands.

The strike which was called off on Wednesday night, March 16, lasted for 10 days. The state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Akeem Ambali, confirmed the development.

He directed all state workers in the state to resume at their duty posts on Thursday, March 17.

Ambali said they agreed to suspend the strike after members of the state House of Assembly and top traditional rulers intervened in the matter.

“Yes, we have suspended the strike. But it is for two weeks to enable the state government look into our demands. It followed the intervention of well-meaning people in the state,” the labour leader told Punch.

“The Speaker and honourable members of the House of Assembly met with us and they asked for two weeks to enable them iron out our issues with the governor. Also, the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Alake of Egbaland met with Labour and promised to intervene by meeting the governor. I think they have met the govenor.

“Also, Dr Ade Abolurin (former Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) met with us and pleaded that we suspend the strike. Many people, including the Body of Former Permanent Secretaries also intervened. Therefore, as a mark of respect, we decided to agree with them.

“If they are saying two weeks, then let us wait and see what would happen. ‎The governor will meet Labour personally in the next couple of hours.”

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council in conjunction with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) had on March 7, called on workers to shun work following the state government’s failure to address their grievances, including salary deductions, contributory pension and gratuity issues.