The Federal Government’s proposed new minimum wage of N54,000 has been rejected by Organised Labour.
The Federal Government increased the minimum salary from its previous offer of N48,000 to N54,000 during a recent meeting.
But in a phone chat with Vanguard, an official from Organised Labour who was present at the meeting revealed that this new idea was turned down.
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Remember that after the Federal Government suggested a minimum pay of N48,000, Organised Labour, which included the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress, withdrew from the Tripartite Committee on Minimum pay.
“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.”
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Organised Labour reaffirmed on Monday that the new minimum wage must take effect by May 31, 2024.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National President, Joe Ajaero, insisted on an N615,000 minimum wage. He clarified that this amount was established by taking into account the requirements of the typical Nigerian household of six as well as the country’s current economic climate.
Ajaero attributed the failure of the negotiations to the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).
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.”
The unions acknowledged the ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector regarding the new national minimum wage in a statement signed by TUC president Festus Osifo and NLC president Joe Ajaero following a joint meeting of the NEC and the TUC.
JUST IN: Nigerian Labour March To NASS Over Minimum Wage
The NLC and TUC expressed gratitude for the efforts made thus far, but stressed the need for a swift and just agreement that recognises the real worth of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the country’s advancement.
They emphasised the current survival crisis that Nigerians are experiencing as a result of government policies and reaffirmed their commitment to defending the welfare and interests of workers during the bargaining process.
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