![Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State](http://media.assettype.com/lagoslocalnews%2F2024-05%2F995d6a96-4d66-430b-b978-d7fab0402adc%2F3E195DC2_8F60_494A_8930_04DAB1279F73.jpeg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State of trying to divert public attention from unpaid minimum wage and pension deductions by accusing the state workers of blackmail.
The president of the union, Joe Ajaero affirmed that labour needed to tackle the real problems raised by the NLC and TUC in their letter of ultimatum to the state government.
“We reaffirmed our dedication to constructive dialogue with the Anambra State Government to address workers’ grievances. The NLC’s primary goal is to enhance the welfare and rights of workers.
The union claims Anambra government hasn't paid the minimum wage mandated by law and is deducting pension contributions without remitting them to the proper authorities.
Ajaero, refutes allegations by Governor Chukwma Soludo's administration of trying to pressure the government for political gain.
He stressed the NLC's desire for constructive talks to address worker concerns, and criticised the government's baseless accusations and mudslinging tactics.
Anambra government, through the governor's spokesperson, denied all allegations, claiming to have a good relationship with labour unions and not receiving any strike notice.
The union asserts that the state is violating the National Minimum Wage Act. NLC accuses the government of deducting pension contributions but not forwarding them to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), potentially violating the 2014 Pension Act.