The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State chapter has started to shut offices and schools in Asaba ahead of the planned strike over the delay to implement the new minimum wage.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) Mr Goodluck Ofuburuku, NLC State chairman told newsmen on phone that labour was on strike in the state.
He said, ”We are on strike and that is all I can tell you for now. We expect offices and schools to comply.
“The strike is in force; that is why we are going round to enforce compliance.”
NAN reports that most government offices and schools within Asaba metropolis were closed as at this morning.
The state government secretariat, along Okpanam road was equally shut as some workers who had reported for work were seen milling around the gate.
Mrs. Tina Okolo, a civil servant told NAN that the NLC members came and locked her office premises and ask the workers to go home.
“They came this morning and ask us to go home. I reported to work at about 8:15am, but now am going home.
“I don’t know much about the strike, so I am just waiting to see how things will turn out,” Okolo said.
NAN reports that the gate of West-End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba,was also closed, as the students were seen going home at about 10:15 am.
A teacher, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the students had been asked to go home because of the strike.
Also, members of the NLC were seen at the Achievers Group of Schools, DLA road Asaba, driving out the students and trying to lock up the school gate.
However, most banks in Asaba remained open for business as customers continued their transactions without hindrance.