In preparation for Tuesday’s critical negotiations on minimum wage, the Organised Labour, comprising the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress, held a meeting today, reaffirming their stance on the May 31 deadline. Sources close to the matter revealed that the unions are resolute in their commitment to this timeline.
Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, has extended an invitation to labour leaders for tomorrow’s negotiations, following a recent walkout during which the Federal Government proposed N48,000 as the new minimum wage, while the Organised Private Sector suggested N54,000.
Amidst disagreements, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, asserted the necessity of a N615,000 minimum wage, attributing the breakdown in negotiations to the government and the OPS. Conversely, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, urged union leaders to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the importance of returning to the negotiation table for the benefit of all parties involved.
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Ajaero defended the unions’ decision to exit negotiations, citing the disparity between proposed wages and prevailing standards, while criticizing the government’s lack of transparency in providing data to support its offer.
As the deadline looms, Organised Labour remains steadfast in advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers, urging the government to approach negotiations with fairness and a clear understanding of the socioeconomic realities facing the nation.
