From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The negotiations between the Federal Government and Organised Labour over new minimum wage, on Wednesday, concluded in a deadlock, with the Organised Labour storming out of the meeting in frustration.
This followed offers of N48,000 and N54,000 wages from the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) respectively.
In a statement released after the incident, the Organised Labour expressed disappointment over the impasse reached during the Tripartite National Minimum Wage negotiations, attributing it to the perceived lack of seriousness on the part of the Government in engaging in meaningful discussions with Nigerian workers.
Signed by Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Labour Centres noted that despite their sincere efforts to come to a fair agreement, the actions of the Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) were deemed inadequate, ultimately causing the breakdown in negotiations.
Labour said the Government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 (forty-eight thousand Naira) as the Minimum Wage did not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also fell significantly short of meeting its needs and aspirations.
“In contrast the Organised Private Sector (OPS) proposed an initial offer of N54,000 (fifty-four thousand Naira) though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receives N78,000 (seventy-eight thousand Naira per month) 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.
Furthermore, the Government’s 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.
As 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’s 40% Peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) wage award, totaling N77,000 (seventy-seven thousand Naira) 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.
“In light of these developments, and in order to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken the decision 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.
“We call upon the Government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with clear hands that reflects the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s 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.
“Together, in a reasonable dialogue, we can work to give Nigerian workers a N615,000 (Six hundred and Fifteen thousand Naira) National Minimum wage as proposed by us on the basis of evidence and Data. This will be in keeping with the pledge of the President; his Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure a Living wage for Nigerian workers.” The statement read.
