By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are engaged in a closed-door meeting with government representatives at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to negotiate the proposed minimum wage.
The meeting, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, aims to address the ongoing dispute over the minimum wage. It was confirmed that the labour leaders were already seated, awaiting the arrival of the government representatives, including Secretary to the SGF, Senator George Akume.
The New Diplomat recalls that some unions have shut down their workplaces in compliance with the directive from the NLC and TUC to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. This action follows the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
On Friday, June 31, organised labour announced that the strike would commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024. In a joint statement, Ajaero and Osifo expressed their serious concerns and disappointment over government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act into law.
Negotiations between labour and the government broke down on Tuesday, May 28, after both parties presented their offers. The government increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which was promptly rejected by the labour unions.
During the meeting, labour leaders also adjusted their demand, reducing it from last week’s proposal of N497,000 to N494,000 by removing N3,000 from their initial figure.
The outcome of today’s meeting remains critical, as both sides seek a resolution to the wage dispute that has led to widespread industrial action across the country.
According to Comrade Ajaero, the strike would begin at midnight on Sunday, June 2.
In a joint statement delivered by Ajaero and his counterpart, Festus Osifo, they expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the government failure to finalise and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act into law.
