JUST IN: NLC Threatens Nationwide Strike Over N494,000 Minimum Wage Demand
- Organised labour and the federal government will meet today, Friday, May 31, to conclude on the new minimum wage offer
- Ahead of the much talked about meeting, Joe Ajaero's led NLC has threatened to take strong action if President Tinubu's government fails to offer a reasonable wage to workers
- Interestingly, FG had offered to pay N60,000 as minimum wage, but labour insisted on N494,000 and vowed to end all negotiations
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, June 3, over a new minimum wage.
Source: Twitter
Organised labour issued this threat ahead of its meeting with the tripartite committee on a new national minimum wage, scheduled for Friday, May 31.
NLC and Tinubu's govt differ on minimum wage
This meeting is holding after the federal government and Organised Private Sector (OPS) raised their offers to N60,000. The NLC, in turn, accused the government negotiators of unseriousness in the process.
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The president of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, also insisted that its demand of N494,000 stands and labour is hopeful the FG will present a better offer during the Friday meeting.
Labour mobilizes for strike
As reported by Vanguard, organised labour sources, nonetheless, disclosed that a nationwide strike might start on Monday, depending on the outcome of the meeting.
According to the sources, organised labour is already mobilising for a strike from Monday, June 3.
A labour leader, who pleaded anonymity, said:
“The outcome of today's meeting will determine our next line of action. If the meeting comes out fruitful, better for everyone.
“But should government’s team continue with its carefree attitude and disdain for workers’ welfare, nothing will stop us from going on strike from Monday. We are already mobilizing for the strike.
“Everyone knows that the one-month ultimatum we gave to the government to conclude negotiations on the new national minimum wage ends tomorrow (today). We have been patient amid the hardship and mass suffering inflicted on us by the government’s anti-poor policies.”
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the state governors were reportedly ganging up against the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stall the ongoing negotiation.
However, Friday's meeting will be held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Nicon Luxury Hotel Plot 903, Tafawa Balewa Way Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
Presidency says labour’s N497,000 demand unrealistic
Legit.ng on Monday, May 27, reported that the federal government expressed unreadiness in approving the N497,000 minimum wage demanded by organised labour, describing it as unrealistic.
Speaking on the development, Bayo Onanuga, the president's special adviser on information and strategy, noted that the governments, both federal and state, have a bloated workforce.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
