NLC President Directs Imo State Shutdown Over Unpaid Salaries, Pensions
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has directed all members of the Union and affiliate Unions to shut down all sectors in Imo State, including air, land and sea, as the union commences protest today.
NLC to Shut Down Imo State Today, Defying Court Order
Ajaero’s announcement comes amidst a court order restraining NLC and TUC from embarking on protests in the state. However, the NLC president has defied the court order and directed members of the union to proceed with the protest.
NLC to Embark on Total Strike in Imo State, Shutdown Air, Land and Sea
The NLC president said that the protest and strike action will take place unfailingly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and that the action will be total across all the sectors as unions must embark on heightened mobilisation.
He also directed that Imo State be shut down, including air, land and sea. However, he said that the Owerri Airport will remain open till noon before it is shut down.
NLC Accuses Imo State Governor of Violating Workers’ Welfare, Embarks on Protest
The NLC president accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, of violating and neglecting workers’ welfare.
He alleged that due to the hostile actions of the governor towards workers in the state, many of them have died because of the lack of payment of their salaries.
Imo State Workers to Protest Unpaid Salaries, Pensions, Shutdown Air, Land and Sea
Ajaero also lamented the non-compliance with the national minimum wage by the state government while accusing Uzodimma of refusing to implement previous agreements, especially the accord reached on January 9, 2021.
He said that outstanding salary arrears of about 20 months have not been paid, 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghost pensioners, resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, while about 11,000 workers have been labelled as ghost workers by the state.
Conclusion
The NLC’s decision to shut down Imo State is a drastic measure, but it is a reflection of the frustration of workers in the state.
The Imo State government needs to take immediate steps to address the concerns of workers and resolve the issues at stake.
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