The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally declared its intention to initiate mass protests in Imo State, commencing from November 1, 2023, citing deep concerns over what it perceives as consistent violations of workers’ rights and privileges by the State government.
NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, articulated this announcement during a news conference held in Abuja. He said,
“NLC was deeply concerned about the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in Imo State by the State Government.
“Despite our repeated efforts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach amicable agreements, the Imo State Government has become a habitual and serial breaker of these agreements, continuing to trample on the rights of workers in the state.
“As a result, we are left with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions beginning on the 1st day of November, 2023.
“This is to demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.”
The NLC President emphasized the urgency of these protests, highlighting the state government’s consistent failure to implement previous agreements. Ajaero stated,
“The protest is imperative as the government of the state has refused to implement previous agreements.”
The issue of non-payment of salary arrears was a central concern, and Ajaero highlighted the plight of some workers who have gone unpaid for an astonishing 20 months, often being unjustly labeled as ‘ghost workers.’
In his words, “On outstanding salary arrears, shockingly, some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.”
In addition to this, Ajaero expressed concerns about the vandalization of the NLC State Secretariat, which he saw as a direct attack on workers’ rights and a breach of the sanctity of their representative body.
“The wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat was a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body,” he noted.
The protests encompass a range of grievances, including the introduction of discriminatory pay, unsettled gratuity arrears, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage, among other issues. In Ajaero’s words,
“Other issues include the implementation of discriminatory pay, unsettled gratuity arrears, non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage, among others.”
The NLC is urging all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers in Imo State in the face of these alleged violations.
Ajaero implored the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers.
He reiterated, “As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change.”
He also raised concerns about the government’s use of force against trade unions, warning that the NLC would hold the Governor accountable if any harm befell workers or trade union leaders during the lawful protests. In his words,
“Unfortunately, the government had relied on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions.”
Despite the threats, the NLC remains unwavering in its mission to protect the rights of Imo State’s workers. In closing, Ajaero stated,
“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 Guardian
