Anambra TUC to Governor Soludo: Reinstate Wage Award to Address Workers’ Hardships

The Anambra State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to reinstate the suspended wage award, emphasizing the urgent need to address the financial hardships faced by workers in the state. TUC Anambra chairman, Chris Ogbonna, stated that the wage award should remain in effect until a new minimum wage is agreed upon and implemented.

Ogbonna made the appeal during an interview in Okoh, Orumba South Local Government Area, highlighting that the suspension of the wage award has exacerbated the suffering of workers and pensioners, especially given the high cost of living and the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

The TUC chairman noted that the wage award, intended to provide temporary relief for workers, was agreed upon during 2023 discussions with the federal government. Anambra State had committed to paying an additional N12,000 to workers and pensioners, but this arrangement was abruptly halted in December 2023, leaving employees without the promised support.

“Workers and pensioners in Anambra are in arrears of four months of the wage award. We are the only state in the Southeast not receiving the additional funds,” Ogbonna said. He compared Anambra’s situation to other states in the region, where wage awards continue to be distributed: Ebonyi pays N10,000, Enugu N25,000, and Imo N35,000.

Ogbonna urged the state and federal governments to expedite the process of salary adjustment, as many workers are struggling to make ends meet amid rising prices for basic commodities, including fuel, which ranges from N740 to N900 per litre. The TUC leader called for price regulation and enforcement to help ease the burden on workers.

The TUC chairman also raised concerns about the lack of facilities for organized labor in Anambra. He appealed to Governor Soludo to build a Labour House, noting that other states, including Imo, Abia, Delta, and Rivers, have their own union secretariats.

In closing, Ogbonna commended the Anambra State government’s efforts to provide good governance and urged them to prioritize workers’ needs, considering their critical role in the state’s development.

The Anambra State government has yet to respond to the TUC’s appeal. However, the matter has gained traction among labour groups, with many awaiting a decision from Governor Soludo’s administration.