Akor Sylvester, Abuja
Worried by the present cost of living, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected fresh calls for another wage award, insisting that the federal government should instead implement a sustainable salary increase to improve workers’ purchasing power and address the rising cost of living.
TUC said its demand was as a result of the federal government’s failure to fully implement the 2023 wage award palliative agreement, under which workers were expected to benefit from the intervention for 10 months pending the enactment of a new minimum wage.
However, workers reportedly received an average of only three months’ payment out of the 10 months agreed upon.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the TUC.
The Congress stated that another wage award would not provide the lasting relief workers require, arguing that a salary increase would offer a more meaningful and sustainable intervention.
The communiqué reads in part: “The NAC reiterated that Congress is demanding a salary increase and not another wage award
“A sustainable salary increase offers a more meaningful intervention to improve workers’ purchasing power and living standards.”
TUC further emphasised that the national minimum wage should not be used as a limit on workers’ earnings, insisting that it only represents the statutory minimum employers are required to pay.
“The minimum wage is a statutory floor and not a ceiling on workers’ earnings,” the Congress declared.
The NAC consequently reaffirmed the position earlier communicated in its October 21, 2026 press release, signalling its determination to sustain pressure for improved remuneration rather than another temporary wage intervention.
On the concerns raised by some public-sector affiliates, including SSAUTHRAI, NUAHP and SSASCGOC, the Congress acknowledged their positions, noting that they were consistent with its earlier position.
It cautioned against any attempt to advance workers’ welfare by disregarding the collective bargaining rights of affected unions or undermining their legitimate representation in negotiations concerning their conditions of service.
“The NAC acknowledged the positions of some of its public-sector affiliates, SSAUTHRAI, NUAHP and SSASCGOC, noting that they are consistent with the earlier position of Congress.
“Workers’ welfare cannot be advanced by disregarding the collective bargaining rights of affected unions or undermining their legitimate representation in matters concerning their conditions of service.”
The labour centre also reaffirmed its authority to represent and negotiate on behalf of its members, citing International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association and the right to organise and collectively bargain.
“The NAC reaffirmed the status of TUC as a recognised trade union centre with the legitimate mandate to represent, defend and negotiate for its members.”
It said the Congress would pursue constructive engagement with the government to implement resolutions reached at its October 8, 2026 NAC meeting in Abuja and address the challenges confronting federal and state government employees.
The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare, collective bargaining and the protection of members’ interests, while acknowledging the contributions of the Congress’s past and present leadership under its President, Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo.
It said the organisation was undergoing a process of long-term institutional renewal, despite what it described as distractions and resistance saying, “The NAC reaffirmed that Congress must remain focused on its core mandate of defending workers’ interests.”
It added that the Congress would remain resolute in consolidating its institutional gains “through collective decision-making and purposeful leadership.”
On accountability and internal leadership, the NAC maintained that it remained answerable to the National Executive Council (NEC), which it described as the highest decision-making organ of Congress between Delegates’ Conferences.
The Council said its decisions and actions had consistently been guided by the TUC constitution, NEC directives and resolutions.
It consequently urged its leaders to concentrate on securing improved salaries for workers rather than engaging in public disagreements over the matter.
Reiterating its position, the Congress said it was committed to leadership that produces measurable improvements in workers’ lives rather than prolonged arguments or temporary interventions, as it declared, “Workers’ welfare is non-negotiable! Solidarity! Forever!!!”.
For a better society
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