Organized Labour has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed new minimum wage of N54,000.
In a recent meeting, the Federal Government proposed increasing the minimum wage to N54,000, up from its earlier offer of N48,000.
However, a leader from Organized Labour, who participated in the meeting, disclosed to Vanguard in a telephone interview that this new proposal was not accepted.
Recall that Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, walked out on the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage after the Federal Government proposed a minimum wage of N48,000.
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“Well, during the meeting, the government increased its offer from N48,000 to N54,000. However, labour rejected that offer and the meeting has been adjourned till Wednesday,” a source who asked not to be named said.
When asked if the government’s side was showing any sign of seriousness, the labour leader said, “No seriousness at all. Even state governors did not show up. Those who represented them, like Bauchi and Niger states, did not have the mandates to speak on their behalf.
“As regards the private sector, we did not get to them before the meeting was adjourned but we hope they also increase their initial offer.”
On Monday, Organized Labour reiterated its deadline of May 31, 2024, for the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, insisted on a minimum wage of N615,000. He explained that this figure was determined after analyzing the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
Ajaero blamed the government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) for the breakdown in negotiations.
He stated, “Despite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less than reasonable actions of the Government and the Organized Private Sector have led to a breakdown in negotiations.”
In a statement released after a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), signed by Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, the TUC president, the unions acknowledged the ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector regarding the new national minimum wage.
While appreciating the efforts made so far, the NLC and TUC emphasized the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development.
They highlighted the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians due to government policies and affirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ interests and welfare in the negotiation process.
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