Anambra state is bracing for a potential shutdown of government operations as labor unions prepare to launch a strike in response to what they call unjustified reductions in workers’ salaries. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are set to convene in Awka on Thursday to decide on next steps.
Civil servants in the state have been enduring significant monthly deductions, with some losing as much as N41,000 to N48,000 from their paychecks, while others face cuts between N25,000 and N40,000. Workers revealed that the deductions began after Governor Chukwuma Soludo imposed sanctions on employees for participating in Monday sit-at-home protests, leading to suspensions of up to six months without pay.
Despite adhering to stricter attendance monitoring, especially on Mondays, workers say their salaries continue to shrink without clear explanations. One employee lamented, “We come to work regularly, yet our pay keeps getting slashed. We’re left with as little as N22,000 a month—impossible for a family to survive on in this economy.”
The situation has fueled widespread anger, compounded by Nigeria’s rising inflation, high transportation costs, and escalating household expenses. Labor leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration that a meeting with the governor on May Day yielded no results. “We discussed the issue, but nothing changed. Workers are suffering, and we can’t remain silent anymore,” one leader stated.
Thursday’s meeting is expected to finalize the strike strategy, with labor leaders vowing to make their voices heard. “The world will know what’s happening after our meeting,” a union official warned.