FG speaks over NLC, TUC’s planned strike

The Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their plans to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024.

The proposed strike is a response to the government’s decision not to increase the minimum wage beyond the proposed N60,000.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, stressed the need to prioritize the interests of the broader population.

He acknowledged the vital role of the NLC and TUC in the country’s progress, urging them to refrain from industrial action, which he believes won’t resolve the ongoing wage talks.

His appeal came after the labor unions announced a nationwide strike to pressure the government to enact a new minimum wage law and revert the recent electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh.

Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, reading a joint statement with TUC leader Festus Osifo, expressed deep disappointment over the government’s failure to pass the new National Minimum Wage Act and address the electricity tariff issue.

Ajaero criticized the government’s absence at a recent negotiation meeting, indicating a lack of commitment to resolving the wage dispute. He pointed out that despite the unions’ ultimatum issued during the last May Day celebration, there has been no meaningful progress from the government.

The labour unions had also demanded the reversal of the electricity tariff increase from N225/kWh to N65/kWh and the end of the consumer band categorization. A nationwide protest on May 13, 2024, highlighted the unions’ demands, but the government’s response has been inadequate, according to Ajaero.

In light of the government’s inaction, the NLC and TUC have issued a notice of an indefinite nationwide strike, beginning June 3, 2024. The unions are urging all affiliates, civil society organizations, and the general public to support the strike to ensure fair wages and living conditions for Nigerian workers.

The recent breakdown in wage negotiations marks the latest setback in a series of failed talks.

Despite the government’s offer to raise the minimum wage to N60,000, labor unions dismissed the proposal, having initially lowered their demand to N494,000 from N497,000.

The wage committee, established by Vice President Kashim Shettima in January 2024, was responsible for proposing a new national minimum wage.

However, the deadline set by the labor unions for a resolution passed without an agreement, leading to the planned strike action.