Minimum wage: Again, FG’s meeting with Labour hits deadlock as indefinite strike action begins today
…As FG labels move ‘premature, illegal,’ urges reconsideration
…Avoid strike, embrace dialogue — NAPPS tells NLC, FG
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to embark on an indefinite strike action starting today, Monday, June 3, 2024.
This decision comes despite a last-minute appeal from the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to return to the negotiation table.
The labour unions are protesting the federal government’s handling of the economy and demanding improvements in workers’ welfare.
Recall the labour leaders and the government delegation held a meeting on Sunday as part of last minute efforts to avert a nationwide strike over the new minimum wage.
However, the organised labour has declared that their planned indefinite strike action over the new minimum wage will proceed as scheduled.
Despite an appeal from the leadership of the National Assembly to suspend the proposed strike and allow for further dialogue, the unions maintained their stance.
They emphasised that they would discuss the appeal with their members before making a final decision.
Recall that the unions argued that the demanded national minimum wage of N494,000 is unsustainable, noting that the wage bill would total N9.5 trillion, potentially destabilising the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced they have started mobilising all their affiliates nationwide to shut down the country starting at midnight today. Expressing disappointment with the government’s handling of the new minimum wage negotiations, the two apex labour groups declared an indefinite nationwide industrial action effective from Monday, June 3, 2024.
Various sectors, including electricity, oil, maritime, and judicial workers, have expressed their readiness to join the strike. Additionally, construction workers have given the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve conflicts in the construction sector or face a nationwide strike.
Also, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, warned that the planned strike is not in the best interest of the country and its people. In a statement by her media aide, Emameh Gabriel, she cautioned that striking during ongoing negotiations would worsen the economic situation and increase the suffering of millions of Nigerians struggling to make a living.
On a conciliatory note, Onyejeocha urged the unions to reconsider their decision and continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find a mutually beneficial solution. She emphasised the importance of respecting the principles of social dialogue and warned that a strike could disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of society.
The Minister also highlighted that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, especially in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce.
She expressed disappointment that the organised labour abruptly exited the negotiations on Friday, despite the government’s efforts to accelerate the talks by rescheduling the meeting from Monday to Friday, May 31.
…FG labels move ‘premature, illegal,’ urges reconsideration
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shelve their plan to commence a nationwide indefinite strike action from today.
The Federal Government, through a statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Sunday, described the proposed industrial action as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal.”
The government emphasised that the issue of increasing the minimum wage for workers is currently being addressed and asserted that the labour unions have not met the necessary conditions to embark on a strike.
In a letter addressed to the two labour unions, the AGF noted that the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the Tripartite Committee on determining a new national minimum wage have not concluded negotiations.
He argued that since both the Federal and State governments are not the only employers affected by a new national minimum wage, it is essential to balance the interests and capacities of all employers in the country, including the Organized Private Sector, to determine a suitable minimum wage for the general working population.
…Avoid strike, embrace dialogue — NAPPS tells NLC, FG
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government (FG).
The association made this appeal in a statement issued on Sunday night, signed by its national president, Chief Yomi Otubela, national secretary, Comrade Augustine Ajibade, and national publicity secretary, Pastor Gabriel Igbinejesu.
NAPPS urged both parties to avoid any industrial action, which could have far-reaching consequences for the country.
The association also announced that its members would not participate in any strike action, prioritizing the interests of their students and the education sector.
“The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nigeria, is aware of the directive regarding the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), scheduled to commence on the 3rd of June, 2024.
“While NAPPS Nigeria identifies with the struggles of the NLC/TUC to improve the living conditions of workers in affiliated organisations, it is important that we prioritise the well-being of our nation and work towards a peaceful resolution that benefits the workers, the economy, and the overall social fabric of Nigeria.
“In light of this, NAPPS Nigeria issues the following directives and information: Advice to embrace constructive dialogue and negotiation, rather than resorting to industrial action. We encourage both the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to further engage in constructive dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to find a mutually acceptable solution.
“NAPPS is willing to offer its support and expertise in facilitating the negotiation process to ensure a fair and sustainable resolution for all parties involved.
“Non-participation in the strike: Our esteemed members are enjoined not to participate in the indefinite strike by NLC/TUC commencing on Monday, 3rd June 2024. A strike action would disrupt the education sector, affecting both students and teachers. Continued stability in the education system is crucial for the growth and development of our nation.
“Examination schedule: The ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue as scheduled by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
“Students are advised to adhere to the original timetable and ensure timely attendance. Take note that other West African countries that are involved in WASSCE won’t wait for Nigeria.
“Collaboration and communication : We call upon school owners and teachers to facilitate a conducive environment for students and staff during this period. Communication channels should be opened and maintained to address any arising issues promptly. You can reach us for help through [email protected]
“Economic consequences: Strikes can have detrimental effects on the economy, leading to further financial instability and hardship for the citizens. It is in the best interest of all parties to seek a solution that does not exacerbate economic challenges.
“We thank you for your understanding and continued support,” the body reiterated.
