Organised Labour in Nigeria, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has firmly rejected the Federal Government's proposal for a N48,000 minimum wage. The unions, demanding N615,000, walked out of negotiations, calling the offer "an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers."
The
private sector had initially proposed a monthly living wage of N54,000, but the
government's counter-offer fell significantly short. This is the second
negotiation breakdown in two weeks, with a previous session on April 29 ending
in deadlock over the same issue.
Joe
Ajaero, the NLC President, explained that the unions' demand was based on a
detailed analysis of the current economic climate and the needs of an average
Nigerian family of six. He attributed the failed negotiations to what he
described as the government's and private sector's unreasonable stance.
"Living
wage means enough to keep you alive, not make you poorer. Our analysis shows
N615,000 is needed to meet basic needs like housing, food, and
healthcare," Ajaero stated. He detailed the breakdown of this figure,
including N270,000 for food, N40,000 for housing, and N110,000 for transportation,
among other expenses.
The NLC
National Treasurer, Hakeem Ambali, criticized the government's offer,
emphasizing the need for a wage that reflects the realities of inflation,
electricity tariffs, and fuel subsidy removal. He stressed that any future
negotiations would require a more serious approach from the government.
"The
government must prioritize workers' welfare and adjust the minimum wage to reflect
economic conditions. Current policies have led to increased prices in all
sectors except wages," Ambali said. He highlighted that workers might
resort to withdrawing their services if their demands are not met, pointing out
the unsustainable nature of the proposed wage in light of the current economic
hardships.
Ambali
also mentioned that the government’s savings from the fuel subsidy removal,
reportedly over N1 trillion monthly, could be partly reinvested to alleviate
workers' poverty. He called for reduced government spending and criticized the
heavy taxation on the poor while the rich benefit from tax exemptions.
Deputy
National President of the TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim, echoed these sentiments, stating
that labour is prepared to negotiate but will not compromise on the demand for
a decent living wage. He confirmed that the unions have given the government a
deadline of May 31 to address their demands.
Etim
warned that labour remains united and ready to take further action, including
strikes, if necessary. "Labour is united and determined to secure a fair
minimum wage for all Nigerian workers," he asserted.
As
negotiations continue, the unions stand firm on their position, urging the
government to present a more reasonable offer that addresses the economic
realities faced by Nigerian workers.
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