By Archibong Emmanuel
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on May Day 2026, highlighted some reforms for workers in the state, including employment, payment of gratuity, minimum wage adjustments and most recently, addressing local government employment concerns, assuring that committees have been set up to review and provide recommendations.
Despite acknowledging some progress, labour leaders in the state used the occasion to highlight pressing challenges facing workers.
Speaking earlier, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Gregory Olayi, painted a grim picture of the workforce, citing insecurity, inflation, and declining living standards as major threats to productivity and well-being.
He warned that “a worker living in fear cannot produce at full capacity,” noting that insecurity across communities and highways continues to disrupt livelihoods and economic activities.
Olayi also lamented the erosion of purchasing power due to rising inflation, stating that many workers now struggle to survive despite being employed. He described the current situation as one where the promise of decent work remains largely unfulfilled.
The NLC outlined a series of demands, including the implementation of long-overdue promotions, harmonisation of pensions with the new minimum wage, settlement of outstanding gratuities, and proper implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage agreement reached in 2024.
Other concerns raised include the regularisation of local government staff employment, the retirement age for teachers and health workers, recognition of trade unions such as the Motorcycle Operators Union, and improved funding for state institutions, including the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The union noted that it had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government over these issues but suspended action to allow room for dialogue.
Similarly, the Acting Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in the state, Comrade Ken Bassey, emphasised the need for strengthened collaboration between government and labour.
Aligning with the national theme of the 2026 celebration, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” he described both issues as major obstacles to economic stability and workforce productivity.
While commending the state government for implementing the minimum wage and ensuring regular salary payments, Bassey called for full compliance with agreed frameworks and further improvements in workers’ welfare.
He presented key demands, including harmonisation of salary structures, timely promotions, pension adjustments, payment of gratuities, and provision of office space and operational support for labour bodies.
Both government and labour leaders agreed on the need to balance economic development with workers’ welfare. While the administration emphasised ongoing reforms and fiscal responsibility, unions insisted on clear timelines and concrete action to address outstanding issues.
As the event concluded, stakeholders called for sustained dialogue to bridge gaps and strengthen industrial relations in the state.
