Labour leaders in Enugu State rose from a meeting on Monday in Enugu, disclosing plans to embark on strike early next year if the state government fails to resolve outstanding issues relating to workers’ welfare and salary structure.
The leadership of the workers, however, announced a 21-day ultimatum within which the government was expected to take necessary steps towards addressing the issues or face industrial action across the state.
The resolution of the labour leaders was contained in a press statement signed by the chairmen and secretaries of all labour unions in the state alongside the state Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe.
They said the notice was in line with the principles of collective bargaining and labour laws of the country, maintaining: “Workers in the state need total implementation of the new salary chart, outstanding salary arrears owed to the absorbed staff of ENADEP and Sport Council.”
They observed that JPSNC had on different occasions communicated the government on the need to resolve the outstanding demands of the workers, but noted that Governor Chime’s insensitivity necessitated the 21-day ultimatum.
They, however, said their doors were still open for dialogue with the government to avert the looming labour crisis in the state which if implemented might paralyse government activities in the state.
All efforts to reach Governor Sullivan Chime’s Press Secretary proved abortive before press time
