Though, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and her counterpart, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have concluded plans to embark on planned
industrial action from Monday, June 19th over demands on several promises that have not been fulfilled by the Governor Ben Ayade-led
government, has issued riot act on any civil servants that joins the strike action in the state.
The NLC and TUC had planned to go on strike a day to the visit of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, but for the respect of that Acting President, the strike was hurriedly called off though unconfirmed sources alleged that some millions of naira passed hands before the strike was called off.
However, government and organised labour hurriedly signed an agreement with the government promising to
implement the agreement, but nothing was done shortly after.
Now the two unions have agreed to embark on strike on Monday to demand for unfulfilled promises. The groups accused government of
refusal to pay in full all gratuities of retired civil servants, promote civil servants, release impress to ministries and terminate the use of consultants in the payment of salaries. The group said the General Assembly voted in favour of the strike action and nothing they could do for now.
“There is nothing we can say when the general assembly votes in favour of an industrial action. You know we are leaders and our mandate is validated by the general union assembly, if they have voted in favour of a strike, there is nothing we can do” the Chairman of NLC, Comrade John Ushie was quoted to have said.
Reacting on the intention of organized labour planned strike, government of Cross River State has issued a riot act on any civil servants that embarks on industrial action on Monday. Government in a press release warned civil servants to retrace their steps.
In the press release signed by Special Adviser Administration, Governor’s office, Mark B. Obi and repeatedly aired on state radio and television stations, the government warned civil servants that they should
remember the labour law that says no work no pay and warned them to rescind their decision on the planned strike action.
“The organized Labour should carefully note that relevant section of the Nigeria Labour Acts which provides for No Work No Pay. The Cross River State government uses this medium to appeal to the organized labour in the interest of state development to shelve the
proposed industrial action and allow government the needed atmosphere to implement the agreement as reached.”
“All civil servants are pleased advised to take note and be at their respective duty post to discharge their function as required on Monday 19th June 2017.”
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