The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced a week warning strike over the new minimum wage structure announced by the state governor, Francis Nwifuru.
According to the union, the industrial action took effect from Sunday, December 1.
Chairman of the union in the state, Egwu Oguguo disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital at a press briefing.
He said that Governor Francis Nwifuru 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 which is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage.
Egwu argued that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours process of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement which 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 organised labour was never part of any consultation that led to the pronouncement.
He therefore said, “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.
“This is in line with the directive of 8th November 2024 by our national body to all State Councils in States yet to comply with extant procedures based on collective bargaining and eventual implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.”
Egwu said Nwifuru unilaterally pronounced the minimum wage package when the Minimum Wage Implementation Committee he inaugurated was still fine-tunning its presentation.
Addressing Nwifuru, the NLC boss said, “This wage award which you christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which you made the pronouncement. When a Minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the Government and the Organized Labour. The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that lead to the said pronouncement.
“To make matters worse for Ebonyi workers, the salary chart forced on workers and currently used did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome 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. Even our candid, civil and appealing efforts have also yielded no results as you have vehemently ignored that kind inner drive of ours to better the lives of Ebonyi Workers.
“Our last interaction with you on the 27th November, when we passionately appealed that you rescind your decision and take the path of goodwill to the people in line with your People’s Charter of Needs mantra, appears to be an interaction that crushed the hearts of the workers most, because you unequivocally said a capital “NO” to our friendly appeal.”
