The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for an industrial action, comprising strikes and street protests, directed at the Imo State government, commencing on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.
Employees from all affiliated unions under the NLC are expected to take to the streets to voice their concerns regarding the alleged non-payment of salaries and mistreatment of workers in the state. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
He stated that Congress is actively mobilising its members from affiliated unions for a significant demonstration in Owerri.
Ajaero expressed deep concern about the continuous and severe infringements on the rights and well-being of workers in the state by the Imo State government.
Despite multiple attempts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach mutually beneficial agreements, the state government has persistently violated these agreements, becoming a habitual and repeated offender.
In light of the state government’s ongoing disregard for workers’ rights, Ajaero stated that there is no alternative but to initiate large-scale protests and industrial actions starting on November 1, 2023.
Ajaero said, “We plan to demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.”
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He accused the state government of relying on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions and their leadership to continue on this line of action.
“It has allowed itself to be misled in its belief that the continued use of threats and intimidations would perpetually dissuade Nigerian workers from taking their destinies in their own hands. It is on this note that we want to warn the government of Imo State that we would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of these lawful protests.
“All the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. On the 1st day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo State from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years,” Ajaero warned.
The NLC leaders pointed out some of the things the Imo State government did wrong, like not keeping their promises from past agreements.
They also said that the government was using its power to send strong and forceful state forces against trade unions and their leaders to continue doing these wrong things.
Citing a backlog of outstanding salary arrears, Ajaero said, “Some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.”
Lamenting the situation, the NLC said, “Under the guise of ghost workers, approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while
Ajaero also accused the state government of “vandalization of NLC State Secretariat,” describing it as “a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative.”
“The Government has failed to address the 8-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees,” he added, “showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.”
“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage,” he continued, “a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.
“The Government’s witch hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.
“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practise that undermines the democratic rights of workers. The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.”
“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghosts, resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives. The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC also accused the state government of not wanting to talk and work together in a fair way. They said that when the government disrupted the Imo State Delegates’ Conference, it was an attempt to force certain people into leadership roles, which isn’t fair to the workers’ rights.
“We call on all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations,” he added. “We implore the Imo State Government to honour its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state, but the choice is entirely in the hands of the government of Imo State.”
