Ebonyi College Workers Strike Over Unpaid Benefits

Workers at the Ebonyi College of Education, represented by the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), commenced a warning strike on Monday, halting all academic activities. This action follows two ultimatums issued to the state government regarding unpaid benefits and poor working conditions.

Dr. Ama Nnachi, the chapter chairman, stated that the strike is a response to the government's failure to implement the 2024 salary structure and address long-standing issues, including the payment of living wages and pension gratuities for retired staff.

Many staff members, some with over 20 years of service, earn less than 30,000 Naira, while the minimum wage is now 18,000 Naira. The situation has become dire, with staff members facing daily hardships.

Prof. Benedict Mbam, the college provost, confirmed the union's demands and expressed optimism that the state government would soon respond.

The strike disrupts academic schedules, particularly affecting students who were supposed to sit for examinations during the Easter break.