Ebonyi workers to embark on indefinite strike on Tuesday

Organised labour in Ebonyi State has declared indefinite industrial action with effect from March 10 over the “unwillingness” of the government to meet its demands.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that organised labour in the state comprises of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Nwafor, the Chairman of the JPSNC, said the strike was called in the interest of the state work force.
The statement said: “The strike is in respect of the implementation of the report of the committee which revisited the table of Ebonyi State Civil/Public Service Salary Structure.
“It is also in respect of the September 2011 salaries of workers which were withheld.”
The statement called civil/public service workers in Ebonyi State employment, local government employees and teachers to proceed on indefinite strike until the government meet the demands of workers.
“Consequently, workers are mandated to stay in their homes and await further directive from the leadership of organsied labour,” the statement said.
Reacting to the statement, Dr. Ifeanyi Ike, the Supervising Commissioner for Information, said the strike was politically motivated.
Ike told NAN: “This is part of a calculated ploy by some disgruntled individuals to disrupt the smooth running of the state administration.
“It is curious that such action would be taken at such a critical period in the existence of the state.
“Top government officials are presently deliberating on the issue and the outcome would be made public to guide the government on the best actions in tackling the issue.”