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Raymond Ozoji, Awka
The nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to press home demands of Nigerian workers for enhanced salaries and better working conditions seems to witness partial compliance in Anambra state as offices of the state civil service were opened for vital services.
The Head of Service of the Anambra State Civil Service Barr. Harry Uduh told journalists on Thursday at Emmaus house event center Awka shortly after an education summit, that administrative cum clerical activities at the state secretariat complex Awka were not truncated by the strike embarked.
Uduh explained that the current industrial disharmony in the country was a matter at the federal level and that in Anambra state, the state government was in a romance with the organized labour, stressing that there was no industrial dispute whatsoever as workers’ welfare was of paramount importance to Governor Willie Obiano.
He maintained that all the management staff of the state civil service knew that they were not part of the strike and as such offices were opened and critical services were being performed.
Although the Head of Service took cognisance of the fact that it was only the rank and file that were hesitant and sluggish in their response to duty due to intimidation, generally in Anambra state there were no labour disagreements between government and the organised labour. He added that it was a national issue and labour leaders should go about their demands with all sense of responsibility.
The Head of Service also disclosed that the state government had paid September salaries to workers in Anambra state, adding that there are states in the country where workers were owed six months salary arrears even he as disclosed further that Governor Willie Obiano had promised to adjust salaries of workers as soon as the new minimum wage takes effect.
He was however of the opinion that the labour leaders should demonstrate solidarity at the national level and not stifle economic activities in the country.
