Cross River Civil Servants Embark On Indefinite Strike

We’re Labour Friendly, Says Gov

CIVIL servants in Cross River State yesterday commenced an indefinite strike action to press for the payment of outstanding gratuities, pension and salary arrears.

Following the strike, almost all government offices in the state were locked and deserted. However, scanty services were maintained in the Governor’s Office.

In a swift reaction to the development, the Special Assistant Media to the state governor, Mr. Christian Ita expressed surprise over the strike action, saying the Governor Ben Ayade administration was labour friendly.

Ita said: “This government is a labour friendly government. This is a government that now pays salary on the 25th of every month. It is surprising that when people in other states are talking of salaries, in Cross River State they are talking of check off dues. You don’t hold government to ransom.”

The joint meeting of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Public Service Negotiating Council held recently in Calabar had directed all its affiliate members in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state to stay at home with effect from today should the government fail to resume negotiations with them on burning issues affecting workers in the state.

Bulletins issued by the Organised Labour Action Committee signed by the Chairman of the State Joint Service Negotiation Council, Comrade Thomas Igbang, reads in part: “Comrades, arising from our enlarged meeting consisting of TUC, NLC and PSNC held on the September 28, 2015, it was resolved that Cross River State Government addresses the following:

“Payment of outstanding gratuities and pension, payment of outstanding promotion arrears, payment of salary arrears such as to local government council staff, Cross River University of Technology, CONHESS adjustment to local councils, health workers and weigh-in-allowance, payment of deductions from salaries, promotion of Civil Servants as approved, and release of impress to MDAs, among others.”

The statement added: “MDAs are grounded; no activity, no funding. One man show; no executives. Boards, commissions and agencies not formed. Promotion of civil servants stalled. Salaries paid in parts; no release of deductions from salaries. Civil servants are made bad debtors to banks and loan vendors. All we hear is noise and sirens. Comrades, we are tired of waiting.”