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Local government

Affiliate Unions Back Out of Planned Strike in Akwa Ibom State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Akwa Ibom State had planned a strike over grievances including the non-implementation of a N32,000 pension increase and alleged discriminatory treatment of four staff members. However, affiliate unions including the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), National Union of Pensioners (NUP), and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) have now backed out of the action. The unions cited various reasons for their withdrawal, including the government's efforts to address their concerns and the absence of justification for participating in the strike.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) announced its withdrawal from the strike, citing Governor Umo Eno's efforts to address their concerns, including clearing gratuity arrears, paying pensions promptly, and settling leave grants.
  • The National Union of Pensioners (NUP) expressed displeasure over the planned action, noting that the NLC's major demand had already been discussed with the Head of the Civil Service (HoCS), and the implementation date was not yet due.
  • The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) declared its non-participation in the strike, urging the government and unions to embrace dialogue to resolve outstanding issues.
  • The unions pointed out that the issue in contention was already a settled matter, with the government arguing that there is no need for any protest or strike.
  • The NULGE leadership described the proposed protest strike as a "personal vendetta" and pledged continued solidarity with the governor's administration.
  • The NUP pensioners directed their members not to join the protest, but to await the outcome of the agreement already reached with the HoCS.

Statistics:

  • The N32,000 pension increase demand is still pending, with no implementation date set.
  • Governor Umo Eno has cleared gratuity arrears from 2014 to 2018 and is currently paying pensions promptly.
  • The NULGE has been satisfied with the governor's efforts to address their concerns.

Sources:

  • Comrade Sunny James, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Akwa Ibom State
  • Comrade Anestina Iweh, State Chairman of NULGE
  • Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, State Secretary of NULGE
  • Comrade Etido Udo, Chairman of JPSNC
  • Comrade Kingsley Ekong, Secretary of JPSNC
  • Sir Udo Kerian Akpan, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations
  • Elder Effiong Essien, Head of the Civil Service (HoCS)

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