The Central Working Committee, CWC, of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have announced an indefinite shut down of Imo State from Wednesday, following alleged disruption of Workers May Day celebrations in the state by thugs, suspected to be working for the government.
A communique by Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary- NLC and Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, TUC, on Tuesday, said: “The joint CWC-in-session of the NLC and TUC after careful deliberation on the violent disruption of Workers May Day celebrations earlier Monday in Owerri by the agents of Imo State Government strongly and overwhelmingly condemn the unprovoked assault on Imo State workers. The TUC and NLC thus reached the following conclusions:
“That the Government of Imo State has grossly violated the rules of engagement amongst the Social partners in Industrial Relations in the country by using thugs to violently disrupt this year’s May Day in Imo State.
“That properties were vandalized and looted by the invading thugs of the government.
“That some workers sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of that attack.
“that the Government of Imo state has become a serial abuser of workers rights and privileges committing several infractions in the process.
“That the Government of Imo State has, therefore, made sane and civil social dialogue difficult in the state.
Consequently, the Joint CWC resolved as follows: “To withdraw the guarantee of Industrial peace in Imo State.
“To embark on a comprehensive shutdown of Imo State beginning from May 3, 2023.
“That all affiliates of both the NLC and TUC in Imo State are to, therefore, withdraw their services in Imo State beginning from 12 midnight on Tuesday until the state government restores and guarantees the protection of lives and properties of workers in the state.
“Further to the above, the state Government is to sign the agreement reached between
it and workers in the month of March, 2023.
“That NLC and TUC will monitor compliance of affiliates with the decisions of the joint CWC in session. We will not hesitate to escalate it nation-wide if positive results are not achieved quickly within days.
“We hold the Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma responsible for any further harm done to any worker in the state now or during the industrial action.
“TUC and NLC will do whatever it takes to protect the lives and properties of workers. We, therefore, advise all residents of Imo State to stock up on necessities because we are prepared for a marathon struggle.”
