NLC parade
The indefinite strike declared by organized Labour may end today as the Federal Government has offered to pay a minimum wage higher than the N60,000 it earlier proposed, though new amount was not specified.
The offer was made at a Monday meeting that stretched far into the night. The leadership of the labour unions having shown intent to accept the new FG offer as they return to the tripartite negotiation table said they will meet today (Tuesday) to review the situation.
Labour insiders said Tuesday meeting would be to formally adopt the FG proposal and call off the strike which practically shut down socio-economic activities nationwide including an effective nationwide blackout.
The new position was disclosed by the government late Monday after a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress TUC at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF.
During the meeting, security personnel including soldiers, police, DSS surrounded the venue.
Those who signed the statement on the side of the FG were Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha and Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress TUC signed for organized Labour.
The statement reads; “Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership of the National Assembly intervened on 2nd June, 2024. The Organised Labour declared nationwide strike on Monday, 3rd June, 2024 to drive home its demands.
“The Federal Government, in the National interest, convened a meeting with Labour held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday 3rd June, with a view to ending the strike action.
“After exhaustive deliberation and engagement by both parties, the following resolutions were reached:
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;
“Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;
“Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and
“No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.
“Done in Abuja on the 3rd of June, 2024”.
