By Tony Okafor, Awka
Apparently to avert the looming industrial dispute in the state, the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has fixed an emergency meeting with labour leaders in the state.
According to a memo exclusively obtained by one of our editors the meeting will hold on Wednesday, 22nd May,2024 at the ANSEC Chambers, Government House Awka by 11am.
Recall that on Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union of Nigeria (TUC) had issued a seven-day strike notice to the governor over his refusal to fully implement the 2019 minimum wage policy.
The organized labour also faulted the Soludo-led administration for the “inefficient running of the state’s contributory pension scheme and the non-constitution of civil and judiciary service commissions, among others.”
However, in a statement on Friday, Christian Aburime, press secretary to the governor, said efforts were underway to resolve all outstanding issues raised by the NLC.
Aburime in the statement said the governor was committed to improving the welfare of workers in the state, adding that the 2019 national minimum wage of N30,000 was already being paid by the government.
The press secretary added,“Governor Soludo urged the NLC and all workers in the state to recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.
However, in the memo from the office of Chief of Staff referenced
ANSG/OCOS/LMC/105 and dated 20th May,2024; addressed to the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) & TUC Anambra State, Government described the Wednesday meeting as crucial.
The Memo , titled,”INVITATION TO A CRUCIAL MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, read partly, “I am pleased to extend a formal invitation to you to attend a crucial meeting with Mr. Governor,Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, the Governor of Anambra State.
“The agenda of the meeting will focus on discussing critical issues affecting workers in Anambra State, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and addressing any concerns that may hinder the progress and welfare of workers within the State.”
