For a period of two weeks, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has halted its current strike in Imo State.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NLC President Joseph Ajaero declared the end of the strike.
On March 9, the state NLC chapter went on strike in protest of the state government’s harassment and abuse of workers.
The state administration was also charged by the labor congress with refusing to carry out prior agreements made with the unions starting in 2021, including the 20-month salary arrears owing to some employees.
Examples include failing to pay pensions for several months, failing to send in check-off dues, and engaging in other anti-union operations, according to NLC.
Mr. Ajaero credited the two-week strike suspension to what he described as relentless interventions from well-respected and well-intentioned Nigerians from both inside and outside the state, as well as promises by state government representatives to make reparations.
He added that the necessity to create a conducive atmosphere for citizens to carry out their civic duty during the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections on Saturday necessitated the postponement of the industrial action.
“I therefore announce the cessation of the ongoing strike in Imo State on behalf of the NLC.
The state government or its agencies are required to meet the demands of the state’s workers during the anticipated two-week suspension, he added.
The NLC president further stated that in the event that the window of opportunity was not utilised by the state government, the congress would be left with no choice than to resume the suspended strike with more ferocity.
