The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress on Wednesday expressed deep disappointment as negotiations resumed at the Tripartite National Minimum Wage meeting.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, discussions hit an impasse due to what Organised Labour described as \u201cthe government\u2019s apparent lack of seriousness in engaging in fair negotiations with Nigerian workers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing a joint press conference in Abuja, the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero said, \u201cDespite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less than reasonable action of the Government and the Organised Private Sector \u00a0has led to a breakdown in negotiations.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Ajaero, the proposal of N48,000 \u00a0by the Federal Government was an insult to Nigerian workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ajaero noted that in contrast, the Organised Private Sector proposed an initial offer of N54,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThough it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of Employers and Government to faithfully negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for Workers in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore, the Government\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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, augmented by Buhari\u2019s 40% Peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 wage award, totalling N77,000 only. Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families and is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage Fixing process.\u201d<\/p>\n
In conclusion, Ajaero said that Labour had to walk out of negotiations but noted that the Congress remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn light of these developments, and to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have decided 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 if they show serious commitment to find a fair and sustainable resolution to this impasse.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also called \u00a0upon the Government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with, \u201cclear hands that reflect the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
He further urged the government to work alongside Labour to finalise the N615,000 minimum wage as proposed by Labour.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, in a reasonable dialogue, we can work to give Nigerian workers an N615,000 National Minimum wage as proposed by us based on evidence and Data. This will be in keeping with the pledge of the President; his Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s pledge to ensure a Living wage for Nigerian workers.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress on Wednesday expressed deep disappointment as negotiations resumed at the Tripartite National Minimum Wage meeting. Unfortunately, discussions hit an impasse due to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":111932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-111930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n