Labor may start a nationwide strike on Monday.

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Labor may start a nationwide strike on Monday.

By: Adisa Deborah

The Federal Government has given strong signs that the Nigeria Labor Congress may go on strike on June 3 over a new minimum wage. The committee meeting on the topic has been adjourned due to labor’s walkout, which accuses government negotiators of insincerity. State governors are accused of impeding negotiations. The Nigeria Labor Congress and other parties are taking part in the negotiations.

 

Ekpo Nta, a member of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, has scheduled another meeting with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC). Labor sources predict that a nationwide strike could begin on Monday, depending on the outcome of the current meeting. The conclusion of the meeting will determine the following steps.

 

The government’s nonchalant attitude and disregard for workers’ well-being prompted a strike on Monday. The walkout is the result of a one-month deadline to complete discussions on the new national minimum wage. The strike is statutory, as the former Minimum Wage Act expired on April 18. If the government fails to address workers’ demands, a strike will be unavoidable.

 

According to a presidential source, state governors are pressuring the federal government to adhere to an acceptable national minimum wage, which might result in industrial action and a complete shutdown of the economy. The government is cautious about paying large wages, citing limited resources. The government must address these issues to ensure a fair and efficient economy.

 

The federal government has been accused of breaking the 2019 Minimum Wage Act by appointing governors who have violated it to the three-member committee. Labor leaders believe that none of the six governors on the committee are pro-labor and have never completely implemented the N30,000 minimum wage.

 

Many workers are refusing to pay the full salary amount due to the temporary tactic of mitigating the effects of the elimination of the petrol subsidy. Some have agreed to pay, but only a reduced amount such as N10,000 or N15,000. They cannot ignore the reality of increasing federation account funds due to the reduction of fuel subsidies and excessive taxation.

 

Nigeria’s Federal Government has launched industrial activities to expedite the process, including shutting down the economy, as the May 31 deadline approaches. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, urged organized labor to be thoughtful and patriotic in their requests, emphasizing the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Bola Tinubu is working hard to rebuild the economy, confronting complicated and multifaceted challenges. The government is committed to prioritizing the people and ensuring that economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a chosen few. The minister asked key stakeholders to show patriotism and understanding during this important time.

 

The government is committed to providing a reasonable level of living for its residents. After heated negotiations, labor leaders have rescheduled for more talks today.

The concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000 indicates the government’s readiness to listen to labor concerns and reach a mutually beneficial arrangement, notwithstanding the hard economic environment.

 

President Tinubu is promoting economic growth and raising Nigerians’ living conditions. He is determined to create jobs and reduce poverty. Nigerians are inspired to support his efforts, acknowledging the hurdles but confident in conquering them for a brighter future.