Aside from the appeal from the State Governor Bassey Otu at the Solemn Assembly held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium at the weekend pleading with the organized labor in the state to shelve its planned strike over the new minimum wage, more pressure is mounting on the labor force in Cross River State to reason with the government and embrace dialogue.
The organized labor had given notice of a two day warning strike expected to begin midnight Sunday November 24 over failure of the state government to conclude negotiations and commence implementation of the approved new minimum wage.
The latest appeal is from Linus Obogo, special adviser to Governor Otu on Media and Publicity.
In a piece entitled ” A Call for Reason: NLC, TUC Demands Amidst Cross River Economic Struggles, Obogo highlighted the peculiar financial straits facing the state and the efforts of the Otu Administration to navigate the challenges and reposition the state economically.
While conceding the fact that it was within the rights of the workforce to demand for improved salaries and conditions of service, Obogo posited that it is crucial for the workers to consider the broader implications of their actions.
“As one of the states with the lowest revenue allocations in Nigeria, Cross River faces significant fiscal constraints. The state’s current economic challenges, coupled with the ongoing efforts of the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to address various pressing issues, calls for a cautious approach to a two-day warning strike.
“While it is within the rights of the state’s workforce to press for a minimum wage, especially in the context of rising living costs and economic challenges, it is also crucial for the workers to consider the broader implications of their actions
“The state has long struggled and continues to struggle with financial limitations. The state relies heavily on federal allocations, which have historically been the second lowest compared to other states in Nigeria.
“This situation has further been exacerbated by the effects of the global economic downturn and fluctuating oil prices. As a result, the state government has had to make difficult decisions regarding budget allocations, prioritizing essential services and infrastructure while not neglecting the welfare of workers.
“The economic landscape is further complicated by the need for substantial investment in infrastructure. Many roads, hospitals, and schools are in dire need of repair or refurbishment, a situation that has persisted for years due to inadequate funding. With a backlog of abandoned projects from previous administrations, the current government is under immense pressure to deliver results while managing the limited financial resources at its disposal” the Governor’s aide pushed
Amidst the paucity of funds, Obogo said the Governor is making huge strides in trying to make something out of the difficult situation.
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“Significantly, it is important to recognize the strides made by the current administration under Senator Bassey Otu. Just recently, the governor released for disbursement a whopping ten billion naira in gratuities to retired state workers, a move that underscores his commitment to fulfilling the state’s obligations to its retirees. This decision, while commendable, was not made without considerable sacrifice and reflects the delicate balance the governor must strike between meeting immediate financial obligations and investing in the state’s future.
“Moreover, the governor is actively working to address dilapidated infrastructure like roads, schools, health facilities and complete numerous abandoned projects. These initiatives are not merely a matter of restoring physical structures; they represent a commitment to revitalizing the state’s economy and improving the quality of life for all residents. A robust infrastructure will also create new job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and ultimately benefit civil servants and the broader community.
“While the intention behind a warning strike may be to draw attention and compel the government to act, it is essential to consider the potential fallout of such actions. A strike can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the civil servants involved but also for the general populace who rely on public services. School closures, disruptions in healthcare services, and delays in essential government functions can severely impact the most vulnerable members of society, who are often the least able to cope with such disruptions.
“Additionally, a strike may inadvertently undermine the goodwill that the current administration seeks to build with its workforce. The governor’s efforts to address long-standing issues, including the payment of gratuities and infrastructure improvements, could be overshadowed by perceptions of civil servants as being ungrateful or unreasonable. This perception can lead to a breakdown in trust between the government and the workforce, making it more challenging to negotiate future demands.
The Governor’s aide said rather than resorting to strike action, civil servants should seek to broaden its engagement with the state government, pointing out that open channels of communication can facilitate understanding and foster a collaborative approach to addressing wage concerns.
“It is critically important for both parties to acknowledge the state’s financial constraints while exploring possible compromises that can meet the needs of workers without jeopardizing the state’s efforts toward economic recovery”, he stated.
