The Organised Labour has given the Nigerian Government uptill May 31, 2024 to finalise the process of implementing the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Addressing Nigerian workers at this year’s International Workers Day on Wednesday in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, said that the process of fixing a new national minimum wage was still ongoing and had witnessed robust engagements.
He explained that all the parties in the tripartite process are well represented and the engagement has been robust.
”We have placed our demand of N615,000 only before our social partners while we await their offer.
“If, however, the negotiation of the minimum wage is not concluded by the end of May, the Trade Union movement in Nigeria will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the country,” he said.
According to Ajaero, labour has placed a demand that the new Act should have a two-year life span with an agreement for automatic adjustments in wages any time inflation exceeds 7.5 per cent.
He stated that the union is demanding that every employer with up to five workers should pay the new minimum wage and called for the strengthening of the monitoring and compliance mechanisms in order to penalise non-complying state governments.
The NLC President insisted that the figures are based on objective realities around the nation and not based on some fantasy; but on what confronts the workers around the country.
“We want to be able to buy food stuff, housing, among others.
” Any wage that is below this living wage condemns workers to starvation, ”he said.
Ajaero, however, urged workers to remain vigilant as the negotiations are approaching conclusion.
” We must not let our guards down but be alert so that together, we can assist government take the right decision and pay workers a living wage as promised by Mr President.
“We will not allow our interest to sabotage the desire of the president concerning a living wage for workers,” he said.
Ajaero also called for reactivation of gratuity to public servants.
He called for the upward review of the retirement age in the entire public service from 60 to 65 years and 35 years to 40 years in service just as was done for teachers and judges.
GIK/APA
Nigeria: Organised Labour sets deadline for implementation of new minimum wage
