C' River Workers Commence 2-Day Warning Strike Ahead of December 1 Nationwide Industrial Action ...As Govt Begs NLC 

Ndifereke BASSEY

WORKERS in Cross River State have commenced a 2-day warning strike to press home their demands for payment of approved minimum wage.

The warning strike commenced by 12 midnight on Sunday, November 24, 2024 just as workers are also expected to join the minimum wage nationwide industrial action on December 1, 2024. All affiliates of NLC and TUC joined the action.

In a BULLETIN 1 issued on November 20, 2024 the Organised Labour in the state said they have listened to briefings from government representatives in the State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee and are not satisfied with the outcome.

The Labour leaders also said the general congress have extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to proceed with with the warning strike because government is not forthcoming with regard to modus operandi of implementing the new minimum wage in the state.

The BULLETIN reads in part: "All Workers in Cross River State will commence a 2-day Warning Strike Action beginning from midnight of Sunday, November 24, to Tuesday 26th November 2. 2024. All affiliates of both NLC and TUC are to mobilize their members for full compliance."

Meanwhile, Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has appealed to labour unions in the state to shelve the planned industrial action against none implementation of the new minimum wage.

The governor said his administration remains committed to the implementation of the new wage of N70, 000 recently signed into law by the federal government.

 Minimum wage law was signed following the tripartite agreement by the government and the organised labour.

The governor made the appeal during the 5th edition of the state solemn assembly held on Saturday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.  

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey,, Otu said his government will continue to prioritise welfare of workers in the state. adding “In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of organized labor, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC,  suspend their planned strike, and I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.” 

Emphasising that his commitment of building a better Cross River for the benefit of all citizens, he "urged Cross Riverians to sustain their support and prayers for the administration to achieve its ‘People First’ mantra in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu at the federal level."