The National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are set to hold an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to address the contentious issue of the suspended wage award to civil servants.
As the federal and state governments grapple with the aftermath of the subsidy removal on petroleum products, a looming showdown over the minimum wage increase is on the horizon.
The organised labour has issued a stern warning to both federal and state governments, emphasizing the necessity of increasing the minimum wage from the current N30,000 monthly. With the current minimum wage set to expire at the end of March 2024, the urgency to establish a new wage structure has become paramount.
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While the Federal Government has allocated a substantial sum of N1tn in the 2024 budget for minimum wage adjustments, promotion arrears, and severance benefits, state governments have remained notably silent on the matter. The escalating cost of living nationwide has added pressure for a swift resolution.
The Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, hinted at a potential prolonged industrial action if the wage award suspension persists. He emphasized the impact of the inflation rate, currently at about 28.2%, on the negotiations for a new minimum wage.
The negotiation for a new minimum wage will be grounded in socio-economic realities, taking into account factors such as housing, transportation, and other essential components. The labour unions stress that the negotiations will not be based on a fixed figure but will reflect the current prices of essential items.
The President of the National Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero, underscored the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by workers in the current economic climate. The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has exacerbated difficulties, contributing to inflation, increasing inequality, and poverty.
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While the Federal Government has only paid the wage award for September, negotiations with the NLC and TUC include a commitment to pay the sum of N35,000 as wage awards pending the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.
States like Kwara and Abia have already started preparing for the negotiation of a new minimum wage, acknowledging the need to reflect present economic realities. However, uncertainties persist in states like Borno and Ogun, where negotiations and committee formations are pending.
As the labour unions gear up for the emergency NEC meeting, the possibility of an industrial action looms large. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the trajectory of minimum wage negotiations and workers’ welfare in the coming year. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving national issue.
