In a recent appeal, the Federal Government has urged Organized Labour to rethink its decision to commence an indefinite strike on Monday, June 3, 2024. This strike is in protest against the government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
Idris Mohammed, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the interests of the masses. He highlighted this during an exclusive interview, expressing the government’s view that industrial action is not a viable solution to the ongoing minimum wage negotiations.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced their plan to strike in response to the government’s stance. NLC President Joe Ajaero, alongside TUC counterpart Festus Osifo, voiced their disappointment over the government’s failure to enact a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Ajaero criticized the recent meeting between the government and Labour, noting the absence of key government officials and describing the meeting as indicative of the government’s lack of seriousness. He stated that the government’s neglect of Labour’s demands and the failure to reverse the electricity tariff increase from N225/kWh to N65/kWh has exacerbated the situation.
During the last May Day celebration, Organized Labour issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude the minimum wage negotiations by the end of May. Despite a one-day nationwide protest on May 13, 2024, there has been no significant progress. This has led to the decision to proceed with the strike, which is expected to begin at midnight on Monday.
The strike has gainedd widespread support from key unions, including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). These unions’ participation could result in fuel scarcity and nationwide blackouts.
NUPENG President William Akporeha confirmed the union’s full participation, while PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Kingsley Udoidua, and NUEE’s acting Secretary-General, Ogochukwu Igwebike, also pledged their support for the strike.
The government’s proposal of N60,000 as the new minimum wage has been a point of contention, with Organized Labour demanding N494,000. Despite the Federal Government’s defense of its proposal, emphasizing it as a 100% increase from the existing wage, Labour has remained resolute in its demands.
The tripartite committee on minimum wage, which includes representatives from the Federal and state governments, the private sector, and Organized Labour, has defended the government’s position, citing economic considerations and various non-monetary incentives aimed at cushioning the impact of the proposed wage.
As the situation unfolds, the Federal Government continues to appeal for understanding and cooperation from Organized Labour, stressing that a strike is not the solution and that ongoing negotiations should be allowed to reach a productive conclusion.
