The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a stern warning following their joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday evening.
The labour unions declared their intention to initiate a massive protest if the administration led by President Bola Tinubu fails to finalize a new minimum wage by May 31, 2024.
During the meeting, labour leaders also addressed ongoing issues of non-compliance with the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act by various state governments.
This act, which mandates a minimum wage for workers, has not been universally implemented, prompting concern and frustration among union members.
In a resolution signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC leader Festus Osifo, the unions underscored their resolve to take action.
They instructed their members in Anambra State to prepare for industrial action should the state government fail to meet workers’ demands by May 23, 2024.
The labour leaders emphasized the critical need for a timely resolution to the minimum wage issue, stressing that the well-being and financial stability of Nigerian workers depend on it.
The unions’ call for protest and potential strikes highlights the escalating tensions between the government and labour organizations, underlining the urgent necessity for dialogue and action to address the workers’ concerns.
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The statement reads:
“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) convened today in an emergency meeting in response to the pressing national issues affecting Nigerian workers, namely, the recent hike in electricity tariff, the ongoing negotiation of a new national minimum wage with the federal government and the Persisting non-compliance with the 2019 National Minimum wage Act by some state Governments in Nigeria.”
“NEC-in-session observed as follows: Whereas the NLC and TUC had embarked on a one-day nationwide Picketing of all NERC offices and DISCOs in protest of the illegal hike in electricity tariff while demanding a reversal from NERC and the federal government without the desired result.”
“Whereas the federal government’s refusal to comply with the dictates of the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act in constituting the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee later than six months to the expiration of the existing one; the deliberate delays in good faith negotiations which has compelled the NLC and TUC to give the federal government until the last day of May, 2024 to complete everything about the New National Minimum Wage fixing process.”
“Whereas the federal government has not shown any serious sign of ensuring that the New National Minimum Wage process is concluded accordingly; Whereas some state governments are still refusing to pay the N30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage as stipulated in the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act; After thorough deliberations and considerations of these current realities as it affects Nigerian workers and masses, the NEC-in-session of both centres resolved as follows.”
“Electricity Tariff Hike: The NEC once again vehemently condemns the unilateral increase in electricity tariff by the authorities. This action, taken without due consideration for the economic hardships faced by the masses and the provisions of the Law, is deemed unjust and burdensome.”
“The NEC reaffirms its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the vexatious apartheid categorization into Bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens and gives the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government until the last day of May 2024 to meet these demands.”
“Negotiation of New National Minimum Wage: The NEC acknowledges the ongoing negotiations between the NLC/TUC, the Organized Private Sector (OPS), and the federal government regarding the new national minimum wage.”
“While appreciating the efforts made thus far, the NEC emphasizes the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of government’s policies.”
“The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process. The NEC-in-session therefore reiterates the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month.”
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“It emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the demands put forth by Nigerian workers and urges the government to prioritise the resolution of these issues in the best interest of industrial peace. NEC-in-session further directed all state Councils whose state Governments are yet to fully implement the N30,000(Thirty-thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments to issue immediately a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state Governments to avert industrial action.”
“Consequently, the NEC-in-session accordingly reaffirms the NLC and TUC joint ultimatum earlier issued to the Anambra state government by its Anambra state councils. It therefore directed all affiliates and workers in the state council to mobilise their members to ensure a successful action in the event the state government fails to meet the demands of workers by Thursday, the 23rd of May, 2024.”
“In the event that the government fails to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated time frame, the NEC authorizes the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to the mobilisation of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers’ rights.”
“NEC therefore calls on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens. The NECs – in – session finally affirms its unwavering commitment to championing the cause of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their rights and interests are upheld at all times.”