NLC Reveals Next ACTION After Rejecting Minimum Wage Proposal; SEE
Their DANGEROUS Plan
The Labour Union has given the Federal Government a deadline to finalize the implementation of the updated national minimum wage by the end of May. Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), delivered this message during the 2024 International Workers Day celebration in Abuja.
This year’s focus is on’ Ensuring Safety and Well-being at Work amid Environmental Changes’. Mr. Ajaero cautioned that failing to conclude the negotiations by the end of May could disrupt industrial harmony in Nigeria.
The call for a new national minimum wage arises amidst economic challenges and inflationary pressures that have diminished the purchasing power of Nigerian workers. The NLC has been leading the charge for a
wage that not only meets legal standards but also provides a living wage for workers. The proposed amount of N615,000 is considered a reflection of the economic realities faced by workers nationwide. The negotiations have been described as intense, with active engagement from all parties involved in the tripartite process- government, employers, and labor unions.
The NLC has emphasized that the new Act should have a two-year duration, with provisions for automatic wage adjustments when inflation exceeds 7. 5%. This demand underscores the necessity for wages to keep pace with the cost of living, ensuring that workers are not left behind in the economic landscape.
“We have ensured that all parties involved in the tripartite process are adequately represented, and the discussions have been thorough.
“Our request for a minimum wage of N615, 000 has been presented to our social partners, and we are awaiting their response.
“Should the minimum wage negotiation not reach a resolution by the end of May, the trade union movement in Nigeria will no longer be able to guarantee industN615, 000e in the country, he said. Additionally, the NLC has proposed that the new minimum wage should apply to all employers involved, aiming to expand the wage’s impact. Prioritizing the enhancement of monitoring and compliance mechanisms, the NLC has suggested penalties for state governments that do not comply with the new regulations.
On the other hand, the Federal Government has signaled the commencement of a new minimum wage regime on April 1, 2024. Idris Mohammed, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed that the current N30, 000 minimum wage would expire at the end of March 2024, paving the way for the new wage structure.
As the May deadline approaches, the
pressure on the Federal Government
to conclude the minimum wage negotiations intensifies. The outcome of these deliberations will have extensive implications for the country’ s workforce and the overall economic landscape. The NLC’s warning is unequivocal: the absence of a new minimum wage by the end of May could lead Nigeria to the brink of industrial action, further straining the nation’s economy and social fabric.