The NLC called on traders, civil society organisations, professional organisations, students and community associations to support the cause for the rights and dignity of workers in Imo State.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun an industrial action in Imo State to force the government to stop alleged violation of the rights of workers.
A statement dated October 31, 2023, and signed by the NLC general secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, urged the public not to give in to false claims that the Imo State chapter of the NLC had pulled out from the industrial action.
The statement said, “In furtherance of implementing the decision of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Imo state as a result of the habitual abuse and violation of the rights of workers in the state by the Government, the NLC declares the commencement of an industrial action on Wednesday, the 1st day of November 2023.
“Every necessary step has been taken to ensure the effective of this action for the liberation of the workers in Imo state who have been held captive, intimidated and grossly violated by a government that ought to protect them. Workers in the State led by the NLC State Chairman; Comrade George Ofoegbu and his Executive including the various industrial Unions are fully mobilized.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has also mobilized its members across the State to ensure that the action compels the state Government to begin to respect the rights of its workers to decent work and healthy living. It is therefore an organized labour action that speaks to the degree of the understanding of the deprivation and suffering which the State Government has unleashed on its workers and its refusal to honour agreements that have been reached with it over the years.
“All hands are on deck to make this a success and that is why we find laughable the fake news sponsored by the Government that Imo state NLC has pulled out of the Industrial action. It all demonstrates the desperation of the State Government to continue to deceive and mislead its citizens with his attempt at cloning the NLC in Imo state. Everything about the Government is fake. Where it cannot succeed with intimidation, it fakes. Hiring workers to pose as NLC leaders will not confuse Nigerians, especially Imo state workers any longer as the workers know their leaders.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the national leadership of both the NLC and TUC are already in Owerri Imo state and will coordinate the action beginning Wednesday the 1st of November. We have been threatened with bodily harm before and since we arrived the state but we are trade unionist and cannot be deterred in our effort to protect the rights of workers in any part of the country. That is what we do and that is what we shall continue doing. Such threats will not stop our commitment to discharging our responsibilities to Nigerian workers.”
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The statement warned that Governor Hope Uzodimma would be held responsible should any worker or trade union leader suffer harm or injury in the course of the strike.
“This action which is a response to the persistent disregard for the welfare and well-being of workers in Imo state by the State Government will continue until the state Government understands the need to obey the Laws, standards and practices of Industrial Relations which provide safeguards for those that work in our various workplaces. The NLC decries the unacceptable conditions faced by workers and is committed to ensuring that their rights and privileges are upheld and respected.
“As a result of this industrial action, there will be a total shutdown of activities in Imo state. This action is a demonstration of the NLC’s strong outrage and determination to bring about positive change for the workers of Imo State.
“Whatever may be the unfortunate outflows of this engagement will be entirely the fault of the Government of the state and we urge all lovers of Imo state to hold the Governor and his Government entirely responsible. We will be here until workers that are being owed are paid and all the benefits outstanding including various breaches of the rights of workers in the state are stopped.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress once again advises members of the public to disregard any contrary information disseminated by the agents of the State Government, stating that the action has been called off. The NLC stands firm in its decision and will continue to work tirelessly until the concerns of workers in Imo State are adequately addressed,” the statement said.
The NLC called on traders, civil society organisations, professional organisations, students and community associations to support the cause for the rights and dignity of workers in Imo State.