Organised labour has said it is embarking on a comprehensive shutdown of Imo State beginning from Wednesday the 3^rd of May, 2023 over disruption of the May Day Celebration that led to serious injuries of workers in the state.

It also barred all flights to the state and threatened to escalate its actions to the whole country if the situation in Imo state is not addressed within the next six days.

In a communique on Tuesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), directed all affiliates to withdraw their services in Imo state beginning from 12 midnight on Tuesday until the state Government

Restores and guarantees the protection of lives and properties of workers in the state

The document which was signed by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and TUC Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu reads: The joint CWC-in-session of the NLC and TUC after careful deliberation on the violent disruption of Workers May Day celebrations earlier today in Owerri by the agents of Imo State Government strongly and overwhelmingly condemn the unprovoked assault on Imo State workers. The TUC and NLC thus reached the following conclusions:

“That the Government of Imo state has grossly violated the rules of engagement amongst the

Social partners in Industrial Relations in the country by using thugs to violently disrupt this year’s May Day in Imo State

“That properties were vandalised and looted by the invading thugs of the Government; that some workers sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of that attack; that the Government of Imo state has become a serial abuser of workers rights and privileges committing several infractions in the process; That the Government of Imo State has therefore made sane and civil social dialogue difficult in the state.

“Consequently, the Joint CWC resolved as follows: To withdraw the guarantee of Industrial peace in Imo state; to embark on a comprehensive shutdown of Imo state beginning from Wednesday the 3^rd of May, 2023; that all affiliates of both the NLC and TUC in Imo State are to therefore withdraw their services in Imo state beginning from 12 midnight on Tuesday until the state Government

Restores and guarantees the protection of lives and properties of workers in the state

“Further to the above, the state Government is to sign the agreement reached between it and workers in the month of March 2023; that NLC and TUC will monitor compliance of affiliates with the decisions of the joint CWC in session.

“We will not hesitate to escalate it nationwide if positive results are not achieved quickly within days. We hold the Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma responsible for any further harm done to any worker in the state now or during the industrial action TUC and NLC will do whatever it takes to protect the lives and properties of workers. We, therefore, advise all residents of Imo State to stock up on necessities because we are prepared for a marathon struggle.”

A separate statement from the NLC titled “Enforcement of emergency joint CWC decision in Imo State” reads: “Consequently, as part of our effort to enforce compliance, you are kindly requested to work with the TUC and other affiliates especially those in the Aviation sector to ensure that no flight leaves the Lagos Airport to Owerri, Imo State starting from 12 Midnight today.

“Ensure that you put all effort to achieve full compliance. Do remain assured of the commitment of the leadership of the Congress towards the protection of workers in all parts of this country.” (The Sun)

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