Civil servants in Cross River State have commenced a two-day warning strike, ignoring Governor Bassey Otu’s appeal to halt their plans.
The industrial action, which began on Monday, was triggered by the government’s delay in implementing the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
Last week, Governor Otu, through his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, urged workers to reconsider their decision, emphasising the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
“Governor Otu prioritises the welfare of the workforce. In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of organised labour, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC, to suspend their planned state-wide strike. I enjoin them to support the Governor in his quest to improve the lot of our people,” Odey stated.
He further assured that the government was taking steps to address workers’ concerns, including clearing the backlog of gratuities, ensuring timely pension payments, implementing overdue promotions, and committing to paying above the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.
Despite these assurances, organised labour rejected the appeal and proceeded to shut down government offices, schools, and other establishments.
Labour leaders explained that their congress had thoroughly discussed the matter and resolved to go ahead with the strike, citing the government’s lack of clarity on implementing the new minimum wage.
In Calabar, the state capital, government offices remained deserted on Monday, with workers staying home.
The warning strike is expected to end on Wednesday, after which regular activities may resume.
