NLC condemns Ebonyi gov’s threat to sack striking workers

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday, described the threat made by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru towards workers protesting the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage as irresponsible.

In a statement made available to reporters in Abuja, Ajaero expressed dismay at the governor’s actions.
Governor Nwifuru had threatened to sack workers who went on strike over the non-payment of the minimum wage.

Ajaero noted in the statement that the strike was preceded by failed talks and notices to the governor about the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage, which had been signed into law several months ago.

“The law provides for enforcement by workers. Furthermore, strike action is a lawful and legitimate tool for aggrieved workers,” Ajaero said.

“In this regard, we consider the threats by the governor to be irresponsible and unhelpful. A reasonable governor should have invited the labour leaders in the state for dialogue to resolve the issue promptly. But he seems to think he is above it all.”

“We want the world to know that Governor Nwifuru is the first to escalate this issue, despite being fully responsible for it.

“We also want the world to understand that we have the right to respond as we pursue justice in this matter. Consequently, the National Secretariat of the Congress has directed all affiliates, including those in the private sector, to immediately join the strike action.”

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Ajaero added that workers already on strike should not yield to the governor’s threats, urging them to maintain momentum until the governor recognises the need to comply with the law and pay the minimum wage. He further stated that additional directives would be issued as necessary.

It was reported that the NLC had instructed states whose governments have not implemented the new minimum wage to commence strike action.