Attack on Ajaero: NLC, TUC commence strike action in Imo today

…Threaten to embark on nationwide strike by November 14 if…

…Identify sack of 11,000 ghost workers, non-payment of pensioners, others as reasons for strike

Following the recent attack on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero last week in Imo State, the leaders of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have resolved to commence a strike action in Imo State today.

Recall that the previously planned strike by the Organized Labour in Imo State hit a deadlock as a violent mob attacked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Mr Joe Ajaero and other labour leaders leaving them injured.

The Union had planned to stage a strike last week Thursday over a backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances among other perceived sins of the Imo State government against workers in the State.

The Nigerian Police Force had earlier denied claims of being complicit in the attacks on the NLC President noting that the Force did not arrest the NLC President as alleged but instead protected him from a violent mob.

However, there had been reports earlier this week following the attack on a purported move by the Nigeria Police Force to transfer the serving Commissioner of Police in Imo State to another state to avoid more issues springing up during the forthcoming elections.

In a communique issued at the end of the joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC on Tuesday, the unions directed all workers and affiliates to ensure compliance and observe the strike action today.

According to the communique, all flights in and out of Imo State, fuel supplies and electricity will be stopped immediately as applicable.

The communique was signed by NLC’s Deputy President and TUC President, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, and Festus Osifo, respectively.

They said, “The meeting deliberated on the distressing incident involving the abduction and assault of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

“Additionally, the council addressed the appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon him and fellow workers, who had assembled at the NLC Imo state Secretariat in compliance with the directive on Imo State.

“These acts were perpetrated by the Imo State Government, acting under the guidance of the Governor and in collaboration with the Nigeria Police.

“To this end, the joint NLC/TUC NEC-in-session observed that the decision to embark on an industrial action in Imo state was purely in keeping with its earlier resolution; the Imo State Government under Hope Uzodimma heartlessly continues in its abuse of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.

“The Government has repeatedly reneged on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour.

“Shockingly, some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘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.

“The wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat is a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body.

“The introduction of discriminatory pay practices and the imposition of apartheid-like policies in determining monthly payments is an affront to fair labour practices.

“The Government has failed to address the eight-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.

“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.

“The Government’s witchhunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.

“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers.

“The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.

“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghost pensioners, resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.

“The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.

“The Government’s persistent resistance to the use of the instruments of social dialogue and collective bargaining is an affront to the principles of fair labour practices.

“The violent interference and disruption of the Imo State Delegates’ Conference demonstrates a blatant attempt to impose favored candidates on the workers, undermining their democratic rights.”

The Trade Union while stating its grievances also noted that asides the assault on the NLC President,  the workers are embarking on the strike action to protest the outstanding salary arrears, unjust declaration of 11,000 workers as ghost employees, unsettled gratuities, non-compliance of N30,000 minimum wage act, and declaration of 10,000 pensioners as ghost retirees.

The communique recalled that “workers had gathered to peacefully protest these infractions by the Governor at the Secretariat of the NLC in Imo State as guaranteed by our extant labour laws and the Constitution.”

“The Police supported a group of Imo state thugs led by the SA on Special Duties to invade the premises of the Imo NLC Secretariat and unleashed mayhem on the few workers who had gathered inflicting injuries and stealing and damaging personal effects including various sums.

“The President of the NLC was subsequently subjected to brutalisation, blindfolded and abducted by the Police and taken to an unknown destination where he was further subjected to further violations and humiliation;

“The NLC and TUC have made demands on the Government which have not been met as at the time of this session.

“The continued prevalence of the use of violence and impunity in negotiating rights and interests within the nation’s socio-economic space against all known dictates of democracy and Social Dialogue.”

The communique noted that consequently, the NLC/TUC NEC-in-Session resolved to order the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State beginning midnight today (Tuesday).

“All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are.

“If our demands are still unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by midnight Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023.

“All State Councils of NLC and TUC and affiliates are by this resolution mandated to ensure full compliance with NEC’s decision.”