The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has pulled out the minimum wage negotiation meeting with the Federal Government.
IVNTV NEWS gathered that this came about after the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) made offers of N48,000 and N54,000 wage, respectively.
The offer, it was learnt angered the organized labour, made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. The two unions described the offer as a “ridiculous offer”.
Recall that the organized labour at their May Day festivities recently in Abuja had proposed N615,000. This, they maintained is an ideal minimum wage for the Nigerian working class.
But at the tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage meeting on Wednesday, it ended with the Labour pulling a straight face.
According to source, the Federal Government did not provide any data to back up its proposal. That was unlike the organized labour, OPS, which stated that none of its members pay less than N78,000.
The mood of the Labour Unions representatives at the meeting reflected what the outcome was.
While addressing newsmen after the walking out, NLC and TUC expressed profound disappointment at the offer by the Government.
Both unions admitted that they reached an unfortunate impasse as a result of the apparent un-seriousness of the Government. They maintained that the Government was not serious to engage in reasonable negotiation with Nigerian workers.
The organized labour leaders, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero of NLC and TUC President, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon expressed disappointment. They argued that despite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, they regretted Government and the organized Private Sectors posture. This, the labour leaders, caused the pull out from the negotiation. l
“The Government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 (forty-eight thousand naira) as the minimum wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.
“In contrast, the Organized Private Sector (OPS) proposed an initial offer of N54,000 (Fifty-Four Thousand Naira). Though it is worth noting, that even the least paid workers in the private sector receives N78,000 (Seventy-Eight Thousand Naira per month) as clearly stated by the OPS. Thus highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards. This further demonstrates the unwillingness of employers and Government to faithfully negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for workers in Nigeria.
“The Government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation. This lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process. And erodes trust between the parties involved.
“As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot in good conscience accept a wage proposal that would result in a reduction in income for federal-level workers. Who are already receiving N30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira) as mandated by law. This is augmented by Buhari’s 40% peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 (Thirty-Five Thousand Naira) wage award. Everything totaling N77,000 (Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira) only.
“Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families. And therefore, is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage fixing process.
“In light of these developments, and in order to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken the decision to walk out of the negotiation process.
“We remain committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers. And will continue to engage in reasonable dialogue with the Government. This is if they show serious commitment to find a fair and sustainable resolution to this impasse.
“We call upon the Government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with clear hands. That reflects the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s development. And the objective socioeconomic realities that confront not just Nigerian workers but Nigerians today as a result of the policies of the Federal Government.
“Together, in a reasonable dialogue, we can work to give Nigerian workers a N615,000 (Six Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage as proposed by us on the basis of evidence and data. This will be in keeping with the pledge of the President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a living wage for Nigerian workers”.
source: Independent
