The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia has called off the strike that began on Tuesday to advocate for better worker welfare.
Mr. Chris Onyeka, the union’s National Assistant Secretary-General, announced the suspension on Friday following a meeting in Umuahia between the State Government, the NLC, and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
“The Abia Government has demonstrated great responsibility and understanding in addressing the issues raised by the NLC,” Onyeka said.
“Therefore, with this understanding and agreement reached, the NLC will immediately suspend the strike.
“We extend our hands of friendship to Abia State in hopes of improving and deepening our industrial relationship and harmony.”
Onyeka urged the government to put the agreement reached by both parties into action, as well as to improve working conditions for Abians to boost productivity and make the state more progressive.
He described dialogue as a means of resolving issues and conflict and urged Abians to remain committed to the state’s development.
He stated that it was the union’s leadership’s responsibility to protect the interests of workers in the state.
The NLC leader praised the State Government for making efforts to meet the union’s demands.
In addition, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu assured the workers that the State Government would live up to expectations by carrying out the decisions reached at the meeting with the union’s leadership.
Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Chris Ezem, urged Abians not to let anyone pit them against the government and to continue to give their all in their service to the state.
“Abia Government remains a workers-friendly government that is conscious of its obligations,” Ikpeazu said.
“It is to that end that we have taken steps to engage the NLC and all affiliate unions concerned on issues affecting workers.
“I want to assure the workers in Abia and the leadership of various unions that government takes their welfare seriously and to that extent would equally take agreements reached very seriously.
“Following this agreement, we will make certain that it is not business as usual.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that these agreements are followed.”
Mr. Eze Chikamnayo, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, praised the NLC leadership at the state and national levels for suspending the strike in an interview with journalists.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state government and union representatives signed a three-page Memorandum of Understanding at the end of the meeting.
Payment of salary arrears, implementation of the N30,000 national minimum wage, remittance of check off dues to various unions, and implementation of CONHESS for local government health workers were among the issues discussed.
Others included the payment of monthly pensions, gratuities, and owed workers’ leave allowances.
The governor was represented at the meeting by the SSG, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Aham Uko, the Head of Service, Mr. Onyii Wamah, and Chikamnayo.
Onyeka, the State Chairman of the NLC, Mr. Eze Idima, and a JPSNC representative were also present.
Following the failure of the state government to resolve issues between it and workers, organized labor went on strike on Tuesday. (NAN)
