Workers Strike Looms In Enugu As Labour Gives Chime 21 Days Ultimatum

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu – Civil servants in Enugu state have given the governor Sullivan Chime led administration 21- days ultimatum on industrial action, over non implementation of the new workers salary chat and payment of back log salaries owed some parastatals.

They threatened to embark on an indefinite strike after the ultimatum if the state government fails to comply with industrial relations practice in the state.

A press statement issued and signed by the Enugu state Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JPSNC, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe Monday, stated that the 21 days notice was to push for the implementation of outstanding workers demands.

It said the notice is in line with the principles of collective bargaining and industrial Laws of Nigeria.

According to the labour leader, “the workers in the state need total implementation of the new salary chart, outstanding salary arrears owned to the absorbed staff of ENADEP and Sport Council”.

“Other issues include, Re-engagement of illegally dismissed staff of Enugu state Housing Development Corporation ESHDC, implementation of CONHESS for Health Workers, implementation of the report of the committee on contributory pension Scheme”

Other demands include, “release of fund for immediate take off of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS and correct implementation of the circular on study leave without pay”.

Comrade Igbokwe noted that JPSNC had in various times communicated to government through correspondences on the need to resolve the outstanding workers demands but the Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime led administration insensitivity necessitated the 21 days notice.

The statement however, said that the doors of the workers remain open for dialogue to avert “this looming labour crises in the state.