There are strong indications that Organized Labour may initiate a nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, in response to the ongoing stalemate over a new national minimum wage.
The tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage (NNMW) reconvenes today, following a sudden adjournment last Tuesday when labour representatives walked out, accusing government negotiators of not taking the process seriously.
Allegations have also surfaced that state governors are conspiring to hinder the Federal Government’s progress in the negotiations.
Labour’s negotiating team, representing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), walked out of the committee meeting for the second time in two weeks on Tuesday.
This occurred after the Federal Government marginally increased its offer to N60,000 from the N57,000 proposed on May 22.
Previously, on May 15, labour had exited the meeting after rejecting a N48,000 offer from the government and a N54,000 offer from the Organized Private Sector (OPS), holding firm to their demand of N615,000.
In a letter dated May 29, Ekpo Nta, member/Secretary of the committee on behalf of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), announced the reconvening of the meeting:
“You are respectfully invited to attend the 7th meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage scheduled as follows:
Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Nicon Luxury Hotel, Plot 903, Tafawa Balewa Way, Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Time: 10:00 am PromptThe minutes of the 6th meeting and the draft agenda for the 7th meeting will be circulated in due course. A Zoom link has been provided for any member unable to attend in person.”
Sources within Organized Labour have indicated that a nationwide strike may commence on Monday, depending on the outcomes of today’s meeting. A labour leader, who spoke to Vanguard anonymously, said:
“The outcome of today’s meeting will determine our next steps. If the meeting is fruitful, it benefits everyone. However, if the government’s team continues with its indifferent attitude and disregard for workers’ welfare, we will proceed with the strike on Monday. We are already mobilizing.”
The labour leader emphasized the expiration of the previous Minimum Wage Act on April 18 and the government’s lack of seriousness in addressing workers’ concerns:
“We have been patient amid the hardship and suffering caused by the government’s anti-poor policies.
The issue of the minimum wage is statutory, and we have had more than six months to negotiate a new minimum wage. If the government wants to avoid the strike, its negotiators must come up with a reasonable offer that meets workers’ expectations.”
