Minimum wage: Labour meets ahead of Tuesday’s negotiations, insists on May 31 deadline

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

The organised labour yesterday vowed that it will not shift ground on the May 31 deadline on the ultimatum issued to federal government to conclude the process of negotiation on the new national minimum wage and come out with acceptable offer.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja Tuesday acknowledged the ongoing negotiations between the NLC/TUC, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and the federal government regarding the new national minimum wage.

While appreciating the efforts made thus far, the NEC emphasized the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of government’s policies.

The NEC affirmed its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.

It therefore reiterated the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month.

The statement of the NEC meeting signed by NLC president, Joe Ajaero and TUC president, Festus Osifo emphasized the non-negotiable nature of the demands put forth by Nigerian workers and urged the government to prioritize the resolution of the issues in the best interest of industrial peace.

It further directed all state Councils whose state Governments are yet to fully implement the N30,000(Thirty-thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments to issue immediately a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state Governments to avert industrial action.

The statement also condemned the unilateral increase in electricity tariff by the authorities and called for immediate reversal of the hike.

According to the statement, the action, taken without due consideration for the economic hardships faced by the masses and the provisions of the Law, is deemed unjust and burdensome.

The NEC reaffirmed its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the vexatious apartheid categorization into Bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens and gave the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government until the last day of May, 2024 to meet these demands.

It further called on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period.

“Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens”, it stated.

The NEC affirmed its unwavering commitment to championing the cause of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their rights and interests are upheld at all times.