The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Cross River State has announced plans to commence an industrial action unless the state government implements the new minimum wage of N70,000.
The strike, which is set to begin at midnight on Sunday, follows the failure of the state government to honor the new wage regime.
Mr. Monday Ogbodum, Chairman of the TUC in Cross River, made the announcement on Saturday, reiterating the workers’ resolve to take action if the government does not meet their demand. He stressed that despite ongoing negotiations, the government’s failure to implement the wage increase would leave them with no choice but to proceed with the strike.
“We are still in talks with the government. We had a meeting on Thursday and another on Friday that ran late into the evening. There’s another meeting scheduled for today (Saturday), but as it stands, things are not progressing as expected,” Ogbodum stated. He emphasized that while the government has shown some level of seriousness, any agreement reached would mean little without immediate implementation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier set the deadline for midnight Sunday, marking the start of the strike if the minimum wage issue remains unresolved. Ogbodum pointed out that, although the negotiations are still ongoing, the workers’ position remains firm.
“If the government does not implement the new wage, we will have no choice but to begin the strike as planned,” Ogbodum added.
The new minimum wage, which is set at N70,000, was approved to address the rising cost of living and improve the welfare of workers. However, workers in Cross River have voiced concerns over the delay in its implementation, with many now looking to industrial action as the only viable solution.
