Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Organised Labour in Abia State, Sunday, announced the postponement of its planned strike initially billed to commence Monday, July 15.
Two weeks ultimatum earlier issued by the Organised labour to Government to meet its demands or face indefinite strike would elapse on Monday.
But the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; and the Trade Union Congress, TUC; in a joint press conference in Umuahia on Sunday, announced a postponement of the indefinite strike by two weeks.
NLC, Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya; and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Chairman, Comrade Ihechi Enogwe; in the joint press conference, explained that the postponement was as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding reached by the Government.
The MoU was reached after an extensive meeting with Government on Friday and Saturday.
According to labour, the reason for the relaxation was to enable them monitor the implementation of the directives by the Governor on the agreement reached between Government and the Organised Labour over their various grievances.
Comrade Ogbonnaya urged workers to ignore the earlier ultimatum due to elapse Monday, and go about their normal duties until July 28.
The NLC boss warned that if by July 28, Government failed to honour its part of the agreement, the Organised Labour would not need to issue any further notice but proceed on indefinite strike.
He commended workers for their cooperation and doggedness over their struggles for improved welfare.
Ogbonnaya said that Government had made some promises over the demands of the Organised Labour, hence the decision of Labour to allow for some time to monitor the implementation.
He said details of the MoU between labour and government would be made public when the necessary signatories endorse the document.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that Government had approved N15,000 wage award for workers for three months beginning from July.
He also said that the Governor had agreed to pay Leave Allowance of workers for 2024 but added that any worker who fails to proceed on annual leave would not be paid leave allowance.
The NLC boss further disclosed that the Governor had approved immediate payment of severance package of Permanent Secretaries retired in 2023.
The NLC boss further disclosed that the Governor had also directed the Head of Service, and the Civil Service Commission, to commence regular promotions for workers.
Contributing, the TUC Chairman, commended the Governor for listening to the demands of Abia workers.
He noted that some workers could no longer cope with their financial obligations due to the biting economic hardship in the country.
He expressed hope that Government would abide by its own part of the agreement.
