Minimum Wage: Abia Labour Threatens Industrial Action as Wage Negotiations End in Stalemate | #NwokeukwuMascot
News
Abia State Labour Issues Ultimatum as Wage Negotiation Stalemate Persists | #NwokeukwuMascot
Umuahia, Abia State - October 26, 2024: The Organized Labour in Abia State has expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of negotiations regarding the new national minimum wage, calling for transparency and urgency in addressing workers’ demands.
In a communiquƩ released on Saturday following a joint meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC), the Labour union criticized the government for failing to provide a clear payment structure and issued a seven-day ultimatum to finalize the wage negotiations.
The ongoing impasse stems from the state government’s inability to present a payment template reflecting the ₦70,000 minimum wage agreed upon in principle. Organized Labour noted that, despite holding the Labour’s proposed template for over a week, the government has yet to reciprocate with its own proposal, stalling the negotiation process.
The communiquĆ© highlighted the union’s concerns and outlined resolutions aimed at pushing the government to take immediate action:
1. No Agreement in Place: Organized Labour stated categorically that no agreement has been reached with the government due to the absence of a payment template. This lack of transparency has further eroded trust in the negotiation process, with Labour accusing the government of not prioritizing the matter.
2. Interim Palliative, Not Minimum Wage: The union emphasized that any payment made to workers this October should be seen as a “bonus payment to cushion the effect of hardship” and not as a new minimum wage. This designation underscores that the ₦70,000 wage is still under negotiation and requires further adjustments to meet Labour’s demands.
3. Call for Government’s Commitment: Labour insisted that the government demonstrate genuine commitment and seriousness in the negotiations, urging officials to approach future discussions with a clearer plan and a transparent payment structure.
4. Seven-Day Ultimatum: In a decisive move, Organized Labour has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding that the negotiations be concluded by midnight on Friday, November 1, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline, the union warned, would result in the reactivation of previously suspended strike actions, plunging the state’s civil service into potential disruption.
The Organized Labour’s communiquĆ© also highlighted growing frustration over prolonged delays, stating that despite the government’s slow pace, the effective date for implementing the new national minimum wage remains July 29, 2024. This delay, they argued, has exacerbated economic hardship for workers who are eagerly awaiting adjustments that would reflect the new minimum wage structure.
The ultimatum sets a critical deadline for the state government to either present a viable payment structure or face the consequences of a potential shutdown of civil services. As tensions mount, Abia State workers are encouraged to remain patient and await the outcome of the negotiations, while Labour leaders continue to press for a wage policy that addresses the financial realities of the workforce.
The communiquĆ© was signed by key representatives of the Organized Labour, including Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya (NLC State Chairman), Comrade Emma Alozie (NLC State Secretary), Comrade Sir I.O. Enogwe (TUC State Chairman), Comrade George O.S. Okogbue (TUC State Secretary), Comrade Ekere Uwadin (JNC State Chairman), and Comrade Oby Madubuko (JNC State Secretary). Their signatures reinforce the union’s unity and determination to secure a fair wage agreement for Abia State’s civil servants.
This ultimatum adds a heightened sense of urgency to the negotiations, leaving the state government with a limited timeframe to meet Labour’s demands and avoid further disruption in the state’s workforce.
#Labour
Comments
Post a Comment