Abia workers comply with NLC directive, begin indefinite strike

Civil servants in Abia State have obeyed the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to embark on industrial action.

The strike started at 7 am on Tuesday, with most of the workers staying away from workplaces.

When Track news visited the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, Abia State Planning Commission and Ministry of Agriculture all at Library Avenue on Tuesday, they were under lock and key with the NLC strike enforcement team present to ensure compliance.

The enforcement team was led by NLC Chairman Paschal Nweke, who placed banners and flags on some government offices.

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

Also, the State-owned radio station, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, BCA radio, announced to listeners that “We would be offering skeletal services today”.

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

Addressing journalists at Library Avenue, Nweke said workers would remain at home until they received a credit alert for their salaries.

“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 and pensioners were being owed huge amounts of money in arrears