The discussions on a new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Organised Labour are set to conclude on Monday (today) as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their N250,000 proposal.
The labour leaders had set a Monday deadline for finalizing the talks on the new minimum wage.
Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage wrapped up its meetings, where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour demanded N250,000.
However, the Nigeria Governors Forum issued a statement indicating that any minimum wage higher than N60,000 would not be sustainable.
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Speaking with our correspondents on Sunday, labour leaders noted that the parties were waiting for the President to decide on the proposals presented by the tripartite committee.
The labour leaders, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said NLC President Joe Ajaero and other top union officials had left the country to attend a labour conference organized by the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.
“We have submitted the report to the president and are waiting for his decision. That is the most important thing and what we are all waiting for. Some of us are on our way to Geneva for the ILO conference. Some went today (Sunday), some have already gone, and others will follow,” a top NLC official stated.
“Before we can even hold a NEC meeting, we must return from Geneva. We are being cautious so the government won’t accuse Labour of inciting citizens against them.
Also, they control the military, so we are being careful about that. This is why we are waiting,” the official added.
When asked about Monday’s deadline, another NLC source said, “We have sent a report to the committee and are expecting the president to act on it.
We will hold a National Executive Council meeting regarding the ultimatum when we return from Geneva. It is crucial for us to be there, but right now, we are patiently waiting for Mr. President’s decision.”
Organised Labour, including the NLC and TUC, initiated a two-day nationwide strike last Monday and Tuesday to demand a new minimum wage for workers and a reversal of the electricity tariff hike.
The labour leadership, however, suspended the strike for five days after signing a commitment with the Federal Government to resume negotiations and establish a new minimum wage within a week.
The suspension followed a six-hour meeting between the labour leadership and the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday night.
To expedite the talks, the President directed Finance Minister Wale Edun on Tuesday to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days.
Tinubu also instructed government representatives to work collectively with the organized private sector and the sub-nationals to achieve a new, affordable wage award for Nigerians.
The finance minister, along with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented the cost implications of implementing a new national minimum wage to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.
The president is currently reviewing the proposal and will make an official announcement soon.
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