The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the threat by Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to sack public sector workers who are on strike over the non-implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

The NLC described the threat as “irresponsible and unhelpful”.

In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the organization expressed dismay over the governor’s ultimatum, stating that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to implement the 2024 national minimum wage.

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Ajaero emphasized that the law provides for enforcement by workers and that a strike is a lawful tool for aggrieved workers.

The NLC directed private sector workers in the state to join the ongoing strike and urged state workers to step up industrial action, disregarding the governor’s threat.

The organization asserted that Governor Nwifuru’s actions are unjustified, stressing that a reasonable governor would invite labour leaders for dialogue to resolve the issue.

This development follows the Ebonyi State chapter of the NLC commencing a week-long warning strike from December 1, protesting the governor’s unilateral announcement of a N75,000 minimum wage for grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across-the-board award for grade levels 3-16.