The labor unions in Abia State have issued a final ultimatum to the state government regarding the alleged failure to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and N35,000 palliative award.
Despite Governor Alex Otti's assurances to implement the new wages once the Federal government concludes its negotiations with organized labor, the workers have threatened to commence a strike.
In a letter dated July 8, 2024, with No.ORGL/ABS/Vol.11/002 and signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia state, Okoro Ogbonnaya, and Enogwe Ihechi, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, the organized labor informed Governor Alex Otti through his Chief of Staff of their intention to commence a strike from Monday, July 15, 2024.
The letter, seen by DAILY POST, stated that the decision to issue a final seven-day notice was the result of the general meeting of the organized labor held on Monday, July 8. This notice followed the expiration of a previous 14-day ultimatum without the government engaging in negotiations to address the workers' demands.
By the national directive on the alleged non-compliance of the Abia State government, organized labor declared its decision to initiate an indefinite strike.
The letter emphasized, "Organized labor hereby issues this final seven (7) days ultimatum with effect from the day of receipt of this letter and states unequivocally, that at the expiration of this ultimatum, on Sunday 00hr, there shall be no further communication with the government. Rather, the entire workforce of Abia State will proceed on indefinite strike beginning from Monday, 15th July 2024."