NLC threatens strike action over unpaid salary, other demands

The Imo chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has threatened to down tools if the state government failed to meet up with the demand of offsetting its accumulated salary arrears.

The Imo State chapter chairman of NLC, Austin Chilakpu, disclosed this Friday, at an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee of the union in Owerri.

Chilakpu said he contacted the national secretariat of NLC on the development in Imo State between government and labour on the issue of salaries of workers and pensioners since the inception of Governor Hope Uzodimma administration.

According to him, many workers and pensioners in the state have not been paid their salaries and other entitlements.

The chairman also said that there are many other demands made by labour which the government has refused to implement.

The chairman further said that the labour will not hesitate to embark on a full-blown strike as a way of pressing home their demands.

“It is a fact that we had already given the government a 14-day ultimatum to implement the worker’s demand, we will be left with no option than to embark on a full-blown industrial action.

“We have been benevolent and patient enough with the government. A worker deserves his wages, and all work and no pay makes jack a dull boy. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” he said.

Meanwhile, It was gathered that the state government has invited the organised labour to a meeting to discuss issues raised by labour in the state.

The Imo NLC chairman, Austin Chilakpu disclosed that the officials from the national secretariat of NLC will lead the delegation of the Imo NLC to the meeting.