Cross River Workers to Begin Indefinite Strike Over Minimum Wage Delay

In response to the delay in implementing the ₦70,000 nationally approved minimum wage by the Cross River State Government, the Organized Labour has announced that state workers will commence an indefinite strike.

This decision followed a proposal by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The directive was communicated on Saturday in Calabar by the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Mr. Monday Ogbodum.

According to the statement, the resolution was reached during a meeting, instructing workers in Cross River State to begin the strike at midnight on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Ogbodum has said the state refusal to implement the National Minimum Wage Act is unacceptable and warned that the industrial action would remain indefinite until the workers’ demands are met.

He also disclosed that negotiations are ongoing with the state government to ensure Cross River workers receive the same entitlements as their counterparts in other states. However, he maintained that there would be no retreat from the planned strike.

“Yes, we are still in talks with the government. We had a meeting on Thursday and another on Friday that ended late in the evening,” he said.

“There is going to be another meeting today (Saturday), but that does not mean things are resolved, even though the government has shown some level of seriousness,” he added.

“Our position remains clear: even if we sign any document or agreement today, it does not translate to implementation,’’ he stated.

“Until the new minimum wage is implemented, which is labour’s position, we will proceed with the strike from December 1,” Ogbodum declared.

Investors King gathered that the outcome of the ongoing discussions with the state government will determine whether the strike proceeds or is called off.

The union also reiterated its willingness to engage in further dialogue, provided the government demonstrates genuine commitment to addressing workers’ demands.