Labour insists on N250,000 minimum wage, talks on strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the federal government’s offer of ₦62,000,
as well as recommendations from individuals and economists for ₦100,000. The labour unions maintain their demand for a minimum wage of ₦250,000.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, Chris Onyeka, the Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), provided an update on
The Morning Brief on Channels Television. Labour will not take any “starvation wage” less than ₦250,000, he claims.
Labour will not take any “starvation wage” less than ₦250,000, he claims. Onyeka cited the increasing cost of living and the requirement for a living wage
in her argument that the present minimum pay of ₦30,000 cannot support the well-being of an average Nigerian worker.
Onyeka said “We have never given thought to taking ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is insufficient to send Nigerian workers home. We’re not going to bargain for a pitiful salary.
“We had never considered ₦100,000, much less ₦62,000. We deemed it to be sufficient accommodation for the government and other relevant stakeholders
in this specific scenario, therefore we remain at ₦250,000. Our motivations are not limited to frivolities; they also take into account
the reality of the market and the products we often purchase, such as garri, yam, and bags of rice.
The report also stated that Tuesday, June 11, 2024 is the last day of the Federal Government’s one-week grace period to comply with Labour’s demands.
He said that Labour would convene to discuss whether to resume the national industrial action if the government does not act.
“The Federal Government and the National Assembly have received the call. It is not our decision. Our desire is for them (the government)
to review and transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to review what we have requested,
the many facts of the law, and then create a National Minimum Act that meets our needs,” he stated.
On June 3, 2024, Labour declared an indefinite industrial action, but then relaxed it for a week after the government agreed to a pay beyond ₦60,000.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two parties failed to reach an agreement. Labour reduced their demand to ₦250,000, while the government offered ₦62,000.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two parties failed to reach an agreement. Labour reduced their demand to ₦250,000, while the government offered ₦62,000.
