The Organised Labour in Abia State, Sunday, shelved its planned strike originally scheduled to commence Monday, until July 28.

Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya; his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Enogwe, and members of Labour Union executive, announced the relaxation in a joint press conference.

They explained that the reason for the relaxation was to enable them monitor the implementation of the directives by the Governor on the agreement reached between Government and the Organised Labour over their various grievances.

The NLC Chairman urged workers to ignore the earlier ultimatum due to elapse Monday, and go about their normal duties until July 28.

He warned that if by July 28, Government failed to honour its part of the agreement, the Organized labour would not need to issue any further notice but proceed on indefinite strike.

Comrade Ogbonnaya commended workers for their cooperation and doggedness over their struggles for improved welfare.

The NLC boss noted that Government had made some promises over the demands of the Organised Labour, hence the decision of Labour to allow for some time to monitor the implementation.

Ogbonnaya said Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the Organised Labour, promising to make public, details of the MoU when the necessary signatories endorse the document. He disclosed that Government had approved N15,000 wage award for workers for three months beginning from July.

Similarly, he said that the Governor had agreed to pay Leave Allowance of workers for 2024 but added that any worker who fails to proceed on annual leave would not be paid leave allowance.

He also disclosed that the Governor had approved immediate payment of severance package of Permanent Secretaries retired in 2023.

The NLC boss further disclosed that the Governor had also directed the Head of Service, and the Civil Service Commission, to commence regular promotions for workers.

Adding his voice, the TUC boss, Comrade Enogwe, thanked the Governor for listening to the demands of Abia workers.

He noted that some workers could no longer cope with their financial obligations due to the biting economic hardship in the country.

The TUC Chairman, expressed hope that Government would not renege on its promises.

TUC Secretary, Comrade John Okogbuo, and other members of the union were present during the press conference at the NLC state secretariat Aba Road Umuahia. (Vanguard)

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