By James Kalu
For nearly two weeks, Imo state has been plunged into darkness as the organized labour union embarked on a strike action against the state government. The strike was initiated due to the non-payment of salaries, a long-standing issue that has plagued Imo state. However, the strike has brought about a series of unfortunate events, including the alleged manhandling of the NLC president, who hails from Imo state. This raises the question: who is truly suffering from this strike action – the people of Imo state, including the labour members, or the state government and governor?
Labour leaders have accused the Imo State government of failing to fulfill its obligation to pay workers’ salaries. This dire situation has severely affected the livelihoods of civil servants, who have been struggling to meet their basic needs and provide for their families. The organized labour union, representing these workers, decided to take a stand against the state government’s negligence by embarking on a strike.
While the intentions behind the strike action were noble, its consequences have had a detrimental impact on the people of Imo state. The absence of essential services, such as electricity, has left residents in a state of darkness, affecting their daily lives and economic activities. Small businesses, which heavily rely on electricity, have suffered significant losses, further exacerbating the already dire economic situation in the state.
Another sector severely affected by the strike is the cold room industry. Cold rooms play a crucial role in preserving perishable goods, such as meat, fish, and vegetables. With the power outage, these cold rooms are unable to function, leading to spoilage of goods and substantial financial losses for business owners. The strike action has left cold room operators in a state of despair as they struggle to salvage what is left of their inventory and maintain their businesses.
In addition to the power outage, the high price of petrol (PMS) has added to the woes of small businesses in Imo State. Many businesses heavily rely on transportation to deliver their goods and services. The increased cost of petrol has led to a surge in transportation expenses, making it difficult for small-scale businesses to sustain their operations. The ripple effect of this is felt by consumers, who are burdened with higher prices for goods and services due to increased transportation costs and petrol or diesel as another means for power generation.
Ironically, the very people the organized labour union aims to protect – the labour members – are also bearing the brunt of this strike action. Many workers who depend on their salaries to sustain their families are now faced with additional hardships. The strike has resulted in a halt of income for these workers, further worsening their financial struggles. The prolonged strike action has left them in a state of uncertainty and desperation, as they continue to suffer without any resolution in sight.
In the midst of the strike action, the NLC president, who hails from Imo state, was allegedly manhandled by security agencies. This incident, however, has been refuted by the Imo police command, who denied any involvement in such an act. While the truth behind this incident remains uncertain, it highlights the tense atmosphere and the potential for violence that can arise during such strike actions.
The strike action in Imo state, initiated by the organized labour union, was a response to the non-payment of salaries by the state government. However, the consequences of this strike have had a detrimental impact on both the people of Imo state, including the labour members, and the state government. The absence of essential services, such as electricity, has affected the daily lives and economic activities of the residents, while the labour members have been left without income, worsening their financial struggles. It is crucial for both parties involved to find a resolution that addresses the grievances of the workers while minimizing the negative impact on the state and its people.
Worthy of note is that the clash between labour leaders and the Imo State government over salary payments has highlighted the underlying issues and tensions within the state. While labour leaders accuse the government of non-payment of salaries, the government alleges partisan politics at play. Ultimately, it is the workers and Imo people who bear the brunt of this conflict. It is imperative for both sides to set aside their differences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of the workers and the stability of the state.
