The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun to mobilise its members for an industrial action and street protests in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on November 1, 2023 over alleged non-payment of salaries.
According to Joe Ajaero, NLC President, at a press briefing, in Abuja, on Sunday said Labour was deeply concerned about the persistent violations of workers’ rights and privileges by the Imo State Government, adding that the gnment had consistently flouted agreement with the workers.
This, he said, included refusal of the government to implement previous agreements and also repeatedly reneging on agreements, especially the accord the January 9th, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour.
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He said the state government “has allowed itself to be misled in its belief that the continued use of threats and intimidations would perpetually dissuade Nigerian workers from taking their destinies in their own hands.
“It is on this note that we want to warn the government of Imo state that we would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of this lawful protests.
“All the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. On the 1 day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo state from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years.”
The NLC leadership outlined some of the alleged infractions committed by the Imo State Government to .
Ajaero lamented that some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the label of ‘ghost workers’, adding that approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers and their salaries diverted while still diligently carrying out their duties.
He also accused the state government of sponsoring vandalism of the NLC State secretariat, describing it as a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative.
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According to the NLC helmsman: “The Government’s witch-hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.
“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers. The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.
“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghost resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives. The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.”