NLC Backs Ebonyi Workers’ Strike, Slams Governor’s Threat to Sack Protesters

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has backed the decision of workers in Ebonyi State to join the industrial action directed by the union, following the failure of some state governors to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage.

In response to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s threat to relieve striking workers of their jobs if they failed to return to work within 72 hours, the NLC described Nwifuru’s threat as irresponsible and urged the state’s workers to intensify the strike.

It should be recalled that the NLC, in a communiqué issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had directed its members in states where governors had not implemented the new national minimum wage to embark on an indefinite strike.

Investors King reported that, following the expiration of the set ultimatum by the union, workers in affected states commenced the industrial action as directed.

In reaction to the strike action in Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru threatened to withhold the workers’ salaries and replace them after their dismissal.

Nwifuru, while addressing journalists on Monday at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, ordered the workers to return to work, adding that the state had approved ₦75,000 as a minimum wage and had already started paying it.

In a swift response, the NLC advised the governor to invite the state’s labour leaders for a dialogue to speed up the resolution of the minimum wage issue and avoid intimidating them with threats.

Ajaero further stated that the strike followed a series of failed negotiations and notices sent to the Governor since the signing of the New Minimum Wage Act by President Tinubu.

The statement read, “We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Nwifuru, that except the striking workers in the state over non-payment of the National Minimum Wage resume work immediately, they should consider themselves sacked.

“We recall that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to the Governor on the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage, which was signed into law several months ago.”

Speaking on the industrial action, Ajaero added, “The law has provisions for enforcement by workers. Besides this, a strike action is a lawful and legitimate tool in the hands of aggrieved workers.

“In light of this, we consider the threats by the Governor as irresponsible and unhelpful.”

Advising the Governor on how to end the strike, the NLC concluded, “What a reasonable governor acting reasonably ought to have done was to invite the labour leaders in the state for dialogue to speed up the resolution of the issues. But he thinks he is God.”