Assembly Workers in Anambra Embark on Indefinite Strike Amid Unresolved Disputes

Workers at the Anambra State House of Assembly have embarked on an indefinite strike to protest against poor pay and working conditions, citing the state’s failure to meet their entitlements and other grievances. Under the umbrella of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the workers staged a peaceful demonstration at the state assembly complex in Awka, the state capital, signaling their commitment to the industrial action.

The striking workers are seeking redress for a range of issues, including non-payment of entitlements, low wages, and inadequate working conditions. According to the workers, there has been a lack of progress despite earlier assurances from the Conference of Speakers of the 36 state assemblies and the Governor’s Forum. Deputy National President of PASAN, Comrade Promise Chijioke Onwukwe, emphasized that prior attempts to resolve these issues had failed, necessitating the current strike.

“Our earlier strike action was met with promises to address our concerns, but here in Anambra State, nothing has been done,” Onwukwe said. The protestors highlighted several specific demands, such as the implementation of an enhanced salary structure known as CONYRESS, staff training, laptops, an ICT unit within the assembly complex, utility vehicles, and increased recruitment.

Furthermore, Onwukwe described harsh working conditions, pointing out that staff must walk long distances under the sun to collect or submit documents while lawmakers use air-conditioned vehicles. He also noted safety hazards due to overgrown vegetation within the complex, leading to frequent encounters with snakes, scorpions, and other reptiles.

Responding to these claims, the State House of Assembly’s Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, refuted the workers’ accusations, asserting that they are on strike not because of non-payment of statutory entitlements, but because of welfare-related issues like allowances. He stated that most assembly staff are under the office of the Head of Service and can request to be reassigned if they are dissatisfied with their current positions.

“If they don’t want to work at the House of Assembly, they are free to go back to the Head of Service and not disrupt the activities of the House of Assembly,” Ofodeme remarked.

As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how the Anambra State Government and the Assembly leadership will address the workers’ demands and bring an end to the ongoing industrial action.