Workers’ Rights Violation: NLC Gears Up For Mass Protests In Imo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would begin protest in Imo State from November 1 over alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the State government. Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja. Ajaero said that “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,” he said. The NLC president said the protest was imperative as the government of the state had refused to implement previous agreements. According to him, the government has repeatedly reneged on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour. “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’. “Unjust declaration of workers as ghost workers,. Approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties,”he said. On vandalisation of NLC State Secretariat, he noted that the wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat was a blatant attacked on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body. The NLC president said others were implementation of discriminatory pay introduction of discriminatory pay, unsettled gratuity arrears, non-compliance with National Minimum Wage, among others. “Nigeria Labour Congress calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations. “We implore the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. “As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state but the choice is entirely in the hands of the government of Imo state,”he said. He also alleged that unfortunately, the government had relied on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions. Ajaero also warned the government of Imo state that the NLC would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of the lawful protests. “Alll 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, ”he said.

NLC commends Nigerians for successful warning strike compliance

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support and dedication in ensuring the success of the first-day warning strike organized by the Congress, which was observed nationwide on Tuesday. Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, conveyed this sentiment in a statement titled, “Our Two-Day Nationwide Warning Strike: First Day of Success,” issued on Tuesday in Abuja. Recalling the NLC’s earlier communique at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, it had announced the commencement of a two-day nationwide warning strike, scheduled from September 5 to September 6. Additionally, the NLC had issued a warning of a potential indefinite nationwide strike to occur within either 14 working days or 21 days from the issuance of the communique. The Congress emphasized that these actions were contingent upon the government’s response to addressing the significant hardships and widespread impoverishment resulting from the removal of subsidies. According to Ajaero, this is to applaud all Nigerian workers through the actions of all our affiliates and State Councils. “This is for the massive support and efforts at ensuring that the first day of the nationwide warning strike took off with a resounding success across the nation. “You have all demonstrated that your words and decisions will always be backed by action. “This has resonated in every part of the country today and we are sure that the message has been sent to those who doubt our determination to push through with our objectives,”he said. He added that, we are glad to inform you that all of our objectives for the first day were fully met. He said this was due to the high level of compliance experienced as a result of all collective efforts around the federation. The NLC president therefore, commended all for their commitment towards ensuring that the reasons for the warning strike were fulfilled at the time. “We however urge you all to continue with the same zeal and determination which saw the huge success that was recorded today. “This is as we move to the second and final day of the nationwide strike to ensure a complete success of the entire exercise. “While thanking all Nigerian workers and indeed the masses for their understanding as we go through this trying time,” he said. He however, called for more efforts and urged all to join hands to ensure that all loopholes observed during the first day action were plugged. He added that, so that tomorrow’s action would be a total success. “It is our civic duty to ensure that we are governed effectively and that those in government remain accountable to the people at all times! “We are committed to that and with your continued support, our nation will surely become a better place for all of us,” he said.