Failed Attempts to Reach Consensus
The latest round of national minimum wage negotiations between Organised Labour and the Federal Government ended in a stalemate on Tuesday, as Labour rejects the N54,000 minimum wage offer. Talks resume wednesday. This marks the third failed attempt to reach a consensus on the national minimum wage, with previous offers also falling short of Labour’s demands.
Labour’s Walkout and Initial Offers
During last week’s meeting, Labour leaders walked out after the Federal Government proposed a N48,000 minimum wage. In response, the Organised Private Sector initially offered N54,000, while Labour continues to push for a N615,000 minimum wage. The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, defended the N615,000 demand, stating it reflects the current economic realities and the needs of an average Nigerian family.
Government’s Increased Offer Rejected
At Tuesday’s meeting, the government increased its offer to N54,000, but Labour leaders remained steadfast in their demand for N615,000. According to sources close to the negotiations, the government’s inability to provide data to justify their offer undermined the credibility of their position. The Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, confirmed the government’s increased offer but noted that negotiations would resume the next day.
Criticism of Government’s Offer
A top Labour official, speaking anonymously, criticized the government’s offer as unrealistic and embarrassing. He noted that private sector workers are already earning a minimum of N77,000, making the government’s proposal insufficient. Labour officials expressed frustration over the government’s lack of seriousness in the negotiations and warned of potential backlash from workers if an acceptable offer is not presented.
Accusations of Government Frustration
Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, accused the Federal Government of deliberately frustrating Nigerian workers. He argued that the government’s offer showed a lack of empathy towards the hardships faced by the masses due to inflation and economic policies. Ndubuaku warned that if negotiations fail, Labour unions might instruct workers to stay home until a fair offer is made.
CDWR Condemns Government’s Offer
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) also condemned the government’s offer, describing it as a mockery. The CDWR criticized both the government’s and the private sector’s unwillingness to pay a living wage, despite their expenditure on luxuries and political privileges. They urged the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to resist neoliberal policies and fight for a fair minimum wage
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