The Federal Government and organized labour are set to resume national minimum wage negotiations today.
On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership held a meeting, resolving that the negotiation must be finalized by May 31.
This stance was communicated in a joint statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo.
Valid View Network reports that previously, the labour leaders walked out of a tripartite committee meeting after the Federal Government offered a N48,000 minimum wage, significantly lower than the N615,000 proposed by the unions.
The Organised Private Sector (OPS) initially offered N54,000. Ajaero criticized the government’s offer, stating that it did not reflect the current economic realities and needs of Nigerian families.
He noted that even the lowest-paid private sector workers earn N78,000, highlighting the disparity.
In an effort to revive the talks, Alhaji Bukar Goni, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, invited labour leaders to another round of negotiations, suggesting the government might raise its offer from N48,000.
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The government representatives indicated a willingness to make further concessions.
The unions emphasized the urgency of reaching a fair agreement that addresses the contributions of Nigerian workers and the current economic crisis. They reiterated their commitment to protecting workers’ interests and welfare.
The unions also directed state councils to issue ultimatums to state governments that have not yet implemented the N30,000 minimum wage, threatening industrial action if their demands are not met.
The NLC and TUC affirmed their readiness to mobilize workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions if the government fails to meet their demands by the deadline.
They called on all affiliate unions, workers, and civil society organizations to remain united in their pursuit of a fair and just society.
The labour leaders blamed the government and OPS for the breakdown in previous negotiations but confirmed their attendance at today’s meeting following an apology from the Federal Government.
The 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, inaugurated by President Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima on January 30, 2024, aims to establish a new minimum wage before the current N30,000 wage expires on April 18.
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