By Adenike Lawal
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has strongly condemned recent threats by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, regarding the ongoing strike by state workers.
In a statement issued on Monday night, Ajaero criticized the governor’s warning that workers must return to their duties within 72 hours or face termination and forfeiture of pay for the strike period.
Ajaero accused Governor Nwifuru of neglecting to implement the newly mandated minimum wage of N70,000, calling the inaction a blatant disregard for workers’ rights in the state.
The strike, led by the Ebonyi chapter of the NLC, is part of a larger national directive, urging action in states that have not yet adopted the new wage.
Initial reports suggest that the strike had a significant impact in Ebonyi on its first day, with a large number of civil servants absent from work. In response, Governor Nwifuru stated that his administration had already implemented the new minimum wage and claimed that no worker in the state was earning below this amount.
He also asserted that salary increases had been made for other categories of workers.
However, Ajaero dismissed these claims, pointing out that salary adjustments for other groups had been made without proper negotiations or agreements with labor unions.
Nwifuru reiterated that his administration was up to date with payments for salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
He further emphasized that he would not pay striking workers and would replace any employee who failed to return to work within the stipulated period.
In a press briefing, Governor Nwifuru underscored his commitment to maintaining order within government offices and instructed heads of departments to monitor attendance.
He added that payment would be based on actual days worked.
Ajaero, in his response, expressed disappointment with the state government’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with labor representatives.
He characterized the governor’s threats as an attempt to undermine the workers’ lawful industrial action aimed at securing fair wages.
He emphasized that dialogue should be prioritized to resolve disputes peacefully, rather than resorting to intimidation.
Ajaero reiterated that strike action is a legal right for workers seeking justice under labor laws.
Despite the governor’s threats, Ajaero confirmed that the strike would continue until there is full compliance with the legal wage standards.
He called on all NLC affiliates, including those in the private sector, to show solidarity with the striking workers in Ebonyi.
Tensions remain high between labor leaders and state authorities as both sides maintain firm positions on wage implementation and workers’ rights.