The Abia State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called off the three-day strike embarked upon by the union over non-payment of salary arrears and implementation of agreements made.
Arising from what they described as exhaustive, comprehensive, and extensive deliberations with the state government, the union said her decision to call off the strike stems from the renewed commitment of the state government to workers’ welfare and her quick intervention to resolve the issues raised by the striking workers.
Assistant General Secretary of the union in Nigeria, Com. Chris Onyeka while addressing the media in Umuahia admitted that though there are varying degrees of issues raised by workers in the state he is optimistic that the State government is committed to ensuring a more worker-friendly environment as work returns to normalcy in the state with industrial peace restored.
The National body noted that a more committed and productive workforce is only possible when a government takes the issues of workers’ welfare seriously and frowned at the inhuman treatment meted out to workers in the state describing it as unacceptable while calling on the state government to not only sign the agreements to workers welfare but ensure prompt implementation while extending hands of fellowship to the state government.
Earlier, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu maintained that Abia remains a worker-friendly state and would never take workers’ welfare for granted as it is committed to ensuring the best for them.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, the governor said his administration is taking steps to resolve the entire crisis as it is resolute to implement all agreements reached.
He assured workers in Abia that government takes their welfare seriously and would continue to do so while urging them to keep hope alive and thanked the Nigeria Labour Congress for showing understanding and assured that government would live up to her expectations and urged them to keep fate with the government.
The Commissioner for Information, Chikamnayo and his Finance counterpart, Dr. Aham Ukoh, and the Head of Service, Mr. Onyi Wamah were part of the meeting.
The labour in the state has been on strike for three days.
(ndiabia)
