Frustration brewed among labour unions over the Federal Government’s proposition of N48,000 as the national minimum wage, with the offer being deemed ludicrous.
Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, voiced dissatisfaction, asserting that the government lacked seriousness in engaging in meaningful negotiations regarding the new minimum wage, citing insufficient data.
Ajaero emphasized that the government must reach a decision by month-end, warning of impending action by the labour if the ultimatum expires without resolution.
Representing the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Tommy Okon attended the meeting alongside Ajaero, and a joint statement was issued, denouncing the government’s offer as inadequate and insulting to Nigerian workers.
The statement highlighted the stark contrast between the proposed wage and the prevailing standards in the private sector, underlining the reluctance of employers and government to fairly negotiate a national minimum wage.
Additionally, the lack of substantiated data from the government further undermined the negotiation process, eroding trust between the parties.
Rejecting the proposed wage, the unions emphasized the detrimental impact it would have on workers’ economic well-being, advocating instead for a minimum wage of N615,000, citing the high cost of living as justification.
