PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
The Nigeria Labour congress (NLC) in Cross River State on Thursday suspended the one month industrial action in the state.
The suspension of the strike follows the quick intervention of The Traditional Ruler Council in Cross River State, which was headed by Etinyin Etim Okon Edet.
A statement issued by the state’s Chairman of NLC, Comrade Ben Ukpepi, said that they have listened to the voice of the people especially the Traditional Rulers Council in the state by suspending the strike action.
“Again, the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet invited the labour for a meeting and we oblige because of the respect we have for our traditional Rulers” he said.
Comrade Ukpepi, who expressed concern over the plight of Cross Riverians mostly the secondary schools students who are suppose to take their WAEC but could not because the strike action lasted longer due to the state governor’s refusal to come to table with the Labour for an MoU on how to ensure the payment of pension and gratuities to workers who have worked meritoriously and retire after 35 years of service but without pay.
He also recalled that labour did not wake up to embark on strike but they followed due process of giving a 21 days ultimatum first, seconded with a 14 days ultimatum without response from the governor and lastly a 7days ultimatum without response as well.
He further explained that the labour decided intentionally to calm down from mounting pressure on government with the hope of observing if government will on it volition call the labour for dialogue but to no avail.
Speaking on the claim on social media that Governor Ben Ayade’s administration have already met 13 out of the 14 point demanded by labour, Comrade Ukpepi debunked the allegation as false, saying that such defense is merely a design to deceive the public to belief that the government are doing something.
Comrade Ukpepi, further, narrated that instead of following the due process of resolving the crisis, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Eteng William in company of some other members initiated a meeting with labour.
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