TUC threatens showdown if workers' salaries are not paid in 5 days

The TUC Caretaker Chairman, Mr Andrew Emelieze, disclosed this when he addressed newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, August 1.

Emelieze said that the union would embark on a mass action if government fails to address its demands.

He said the five-day ultimatum is an added opportunity for government to the issues, adding that the initial 15-day ultimatum expired on August 1.

The TUC had on July 11 stormed the state government secretariat to submit its demand to the government, issuing a 15-day ultimatum.

TUC's letter was received by the Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade, on behalf of the government.

Emelieze said the state government did not consult with them while the ultimatum lasted, in spite of their correspondence to them.

"We are not part of the unholy agreement between the state chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the state government that suspended the seven weeks strike on July 25," he said.

"We hereby condemn the unholy alliance and resolution between them. We are going to occupy the state secretariat if government fails to heed to our demands.

"We will bring our mattresses and pillows to the secretariat, while some will go on hunger strike,’’ Emelieze said.

He faulted the planned restructuring of the workforce by the state government, describing it as a ploy to retrench some workers.

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The TUC chairman said that more than 30 per cent of the wage bill claimed by the state government was used in paying political office holders.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to cushion the economic hardship experienced across the country, saying the cost of living in the country is on the increase.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi had on July 30 in Ibadan, the state capital, told newsmen that there is no truth in the news that the state government is planning to retrench workers but to restructure.

Ajimobi said he will restructure to make every worker in the service of the state functional and productive, adding that they will all be engaged.

On the outstanding salary, he said that the status of the state’s finance was made clear to the labour unions before the resolution to suspend the seven weeks strike.