The Federal Government’s conflict with Organised Labour over a new minimum wage is expected to drive the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress to restart their postponed statewide indefinite strike action.
According to reports, the Tripartite Committee hiked the new minimum wage on Friday from N60,000 to N62,000. However, the Organised Labour has made up its mind and insists on the N250,000 sum.
At the conclusion of the meeting last night, the tripartite committee’s leadership stated that it will present both positions to President Bola Tinubu, who is anticipated to review them and submit a bill to the National Assembly for final consideration of the new national minimum wage Act.
Recall that the N60K plan prompted Organised Labour to withdraw from the negotiation table and announce an indefinite strike to pursue its demands. Labour leader Joe Ajaero said on Tuesday that if their demands are not met, they will resume the strike.
On Monday, at the end of the first day of the devastating strike action, the SGF, Senator George Akume, led a meeting with labour unions that resulted in a four-point resolution, including President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to pay a new minimum wage higher than the N60,000 offer.
Tinubu asked Edun to explain the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days. Edun presented the suggestion to the president, but it has not been made public.