By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) in Akwa Ibom has threatened to proceed on indefinite strike action over the continued refusal of the state government to pay workers entitlements.
It has also said that workers in the state would not hesitate to join the planned national strike because all was not well with workers, especially local government workers in the state.
State NLC chairman, Comrade Sunny James told newsmen in Uyo on Thursday that even if the planned strike action by the national body of the union is suspended, that of workers in the state would be indefinite.
He stated that the government has failed to pay gratuity to council workers for 10 years, and has not implemented promotion arrears among others.
”This means that every other offices will receive their pensions and then those in the local government system would not. Discussions on this has been going on for some weeks now with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and I do hope that government would give peace a chance to allow benefits go to whoever it is due.
”For gratuity we are not doing well in Akwa Ibom State. There have been a halt since 2016 in the civil service gratuity, no explanation has been given to us four years along the line.
”In the Local Government administration since 2010 it has not been paid to teachers; since 2012 it has not been paid to the local government workers. Therefore 10 years after retirement you cannot collect your gratuity so workers we are not very happy.
”We are getting very uncomfortable about it. If the strike proceeds as planned, those are some of the things we may have to ask Akwa Ibom government to address before we go back to work. if the strike is allowed, then Akwa Ibom state government must solve our problems.” He maintained.
James further said the issue of next of kin of late Primary school workers was the most pathetic situation in the state, adding that, ”if God does not help you and you are a primary school teacher in Akwa Ibom and you die in service, that is the end of it because your next of kin will not access your money.
”It is very unfortunate that they have not accessed their money since 1989, that is 31 years! but negotiations are ongoing and I want to appreciate the new Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftency Affairs.”
In another developemt, the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has elected Mrs Anestina Iweh as new chairman at its 7th Quadrennial Delegate Conference in Uyo on Thursday.
Iweh who extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents in building a strong union polled 234 votes to defeat three other contestants who received 32, three and zero votes each.
