The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia suspended the strike it called to demand an improvement in workers’ welfare on Tuesday.
The suspension was made public on Friday by the union’s national assistant secretary-general, Mr. Chris Onyeka, following a meeting in Umuahia between the State Government, NLC, and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
Naija News recalls that the organized labor declared an industrial strike after the state administration and the workforce were unable to agree on the payment of salary arrears, implementation of the N30,000 national minimum wage, remittance of check-off dues to various unions and the implementation of CONHESS for local government health workers.
Other contentious issues were the payment of monthly pensions, gratuities, and outstanding workers’ leave allowances. 
Onyeka said: “The Abia Government has shown great responsibility and understanding in addressing the issues raised by NLC.
“Therefore, with this understanding and agreement reached, the NLC will immediately suspend the strike.
“We extend our hands of fellowship to Abia State for better and deeper industrial relationship and harmony.”
Onyeka requested that the administration implement the agreement reached by the parties and enhance working conditions for Abia workers to boost output and promote the state.
He argued that the union’s leadership had a responsibility to protect the rights of workers in the state.
The leader of the NLC commended the State Government for making an effort to meet the union’s demands.
On the other hand, the state Government led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has promised the employees that the state would uphold the workers’ expectations by implementing the decisions taken at the meeting with the union leadership.
Ikpeazu advised Abia workers to continually provide their best efforts in their service to the state rather than allowing anyone to pit them against the administration. Chief Chris Ezem, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), acted as Ikpeazu’s representative during the meeting that ended the strike.
Ikpeazu said: “Abia Government remains a workers-friendly government that is conscious of its obligations.
“It is to that end that we have taken steps to engage the NLC and all affiliate unions concerned on issues affecting workers.
“I want to assure the workers in Abia and the leadership of various unions that government takes their welfare seriously and to that extent would equally take agreements reached very seriously.
“Following this agreement, we shall ensure that it is not business as usual.
“We shall do everything within our means to ensure these agreements reached are adhered to.”
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