The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State Chapter, has commenced a warning strike over the new minimum wage structure.
Chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Egwu Oguguo who disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital said the strike commenced on Sunday
He informed that Governor Francis Nwifuru unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across-board for Grade levels 3-16 which according to him, is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent.
Egwu argued that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the process of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement that would be signed by both the government and the organised labour, stating that the pronouncement on the minimum wage by the governor was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as the organized labour was never part of any consultation that led to the pronouncement.
“On behalf of the entire State Council, we convey a notice of a one-week warning strike action by Nigeria Labour Congress in Ebonyi State beginning from 00:00 hours of 1st December 2024.
“Recall that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, you inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. Just about when the Committee was fine-tuning its presentation, Your Excellency unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across-board award for Grade levels 3-16. This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House Chapel) on the 27th of October 2024.
Comrade Oguguo added that the salary chart currently used “did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the take-home pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression.”
“This led to our dear state being mentioned as one of those that never implemented the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019.
“Your Excellency Sir, the Implementation Committee, which we are all part of, has arrived at an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression. Even the cost implication when compared with the award of October 2024 has been generated and discussed with you.
“Your Excellency, all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee you set up to bring these facts to your notice have yielded no positive results.
“As we convey this position, Sir, most workers at the Local Government Councils are yet to receive their October 2024 salaries.
“Yes, Congress noted that our wonderful relationship with your government should have been an avenue for us to resolve these issues before any form of industrial disharmony. Even as we embark on this action, we still believe in your kind disposition as a workers-friendly Governor,” he said.
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