The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday, described the threat made by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru towards workers protesting the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage as irresponsible.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Ajaero expressed dismay at the governor’s actions.
Governor Nwifuru had threatened to sack workers who went on strike over the non-payment of the minimum wage.
Ajaero noted in the statement that the strike was preceded by failed talks and notices to the governor about the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage, which had been signed into law several months ago.
“The law provides for enforcement by workers. Furthermore, strike action is a lawful and legitimate tool for aggrieved workers,” Ajaero said.
“We want the world to know that Governor Nwifuru is the first to escalate this issue, despite being fully responsible for it.
“We also want the world to understand that we have the right to respond as we pursue justice in this matter. Consequently, the National Secretariat of the Congress has directed all affiliates, including those in the private sector, to immediately join the strike action.”
The NLC had instructed states whose governments have not implemented the new minimum wage to commence strike action.
