Workers in Imo State have launched an indefinite strike to protest the government’s failure to pay their salaries and respect their rights. The strike, which started on Tuesday, has crippled the state’s economy and public services.

The strike was triggered by the attack on the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and other labor leaders by thugs and police last week. Ajaero and his colleagues were abducted and assaulted while they were holding a peaceful rally at the NLC state secretariat.

The workers are demanding the payment of 20 months of unpaid salaries to 11,000 workers who have been labeled as ghost workers by the government. They are also asking for the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage, the payment of eight years of gratuity to retirees, and the end of the harassment and intimidation of union leaders.

The strike has received the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and other affiliates of the NLC. They have vowed to escalate the strike to a nationwide level by November 14 if their demands are not met.

The strike has affected all sectors of the state, including transportation, health, education, and electricity. Flights into and out of the state have been suspended, fuel supplies have been cut off, and schools and hospitals have been shut down.

The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has not responded to the workers’ grievances or the strike. He has been accused of violating the agreement he signed with the labor unions in January, which promised to address their issues.

The workers have appealed to the federal government and the public to intervene and help them resolve the crisis. They have also expressed their determination to continue the strike until their demands are met and their dignity is restored.

Source: Vanguard