Abia workers comply with NLC directive, begin indefinite strike

Civil servants in Abia State have complied with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and embarked on industrial action.

The strike commenced Tuesday morning, with most offices under lock and key.

When Newsmen visited the offices of the state Ministry of Finance, the Head of Service, the Secretary to the State Government, Abia State Planning Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture all at Library Avenue, on Tuesday, they were deserted

NLC strike enforcement team were, however, seen loitering in the area, to ensure compliance by workers.

The enforcement team led by NLC Chairman, Paschal Nweke placed banners and flags on some government offices to indicate the ongoing strike.

At the Abia State Primary Healthcare Office and Civil Service Commission, the gates were locked with only the security staff seen inside the compound.

Meanwhile, the State-owned radio station, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, BCA had earlier announced it would be offering “skeletal services beginning Tuesday”.

At the Umuahia North LGA headquarters, beside the NUJ press centre, the gates to the council secretariat were locked with big keys, although some workers were seen inside the compound but not allowed into their offices.

Addressing Journalists at Library Avenue, the NLC Chairman Paschal Nweke said workers would remain at home until they received salary alerts for their services.

“We are on strike for non-payment of salaries, pensions, leave allowances and minimum wage.

“We met with the State government and had some agreement but they have not done anything.

”They are still receiving allocations so they should pay us. The strike is total.

”We can’t stop this strike until we start getting our alerts, the NLC Chairman said.

He further regretted that workers in some State parastatals and agencies as well as pensioners were being owed bigger amounts of money in arrears.