Minimum Wage Dispute: Cross River State Embarks on Warning Strike

Cross River Workers Embark on Warning Strike

“I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”

Cross River State governor appeals to labour unions to suspend planned strike over unimplemented minimum wage, as workers demand better welfare.

Civil servants in Cross River State have embarked on a two-day warning strike, protesting the state government's failure to implement the newly approved minimum wage of ₦70,000. The strike, scheduled for November 25 and 26, was initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The unions have warned that if their demands are not met by December 1, the warning strike will escalate into a full-scale industrial action. Governor Bassey Otu has appealed to the unions to reconsider their stance, urging them to collaborate with the government in improving workers' welfare. Otu emphasized his administration's commitment to the well-being of civil servants.

The minimum wage issue has been a contentious one, with the NLC setting a November 30 deadline for all states to implement the new wage. While over 30 states have complied, Cross River is among the few that have yet to implement the new minimum wage. The strike in Cross River State is a testament to the growing frustration among workers over the delay in implementing the new wage.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has appealed to labor unions to suspend their planned strike, reaffirming his administration's commitment to workers' welfare. He made this plea during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. “I appeal to the leadership of organised labour and all affiliates of the NLC and TUC to suspend their planned strike,” he said. “I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”

This development comes months after President Bola Tinubu signed a landmark bill into law, raising the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The signing of the Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill on July 29, 2024, was a significant move towards improving the welfare of workers in Nigeria.

In a bid to push for the nationwide implementation of the new minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a directive on November 11, setting a November 30 deadline for all state governments to comply with the policy.

The NLC instructed its members to embark on an indefinite strike in any state that fails to implement the new minimum wage by the specified deadline. This move is aimed at ensuring that state governments take the necessary steps to adopt the revised wage structure.

Despite the looming deadline, many states have already made significant progress in implementing the new minimum wage. Several state governments have commenced the payment of the revised wages, signaling a positive response to the new legislation and the NLC's ultimatum.