Tag: minimum wage
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Minimum Wage: NANS backs Labour Unions over planned industrial action
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in their demand for an increase in the national minimum wage.
Recall that NLC announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024, citing the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
Joe Ajaero the NLC President noted that the strike follows unsuccessful negotiations between the government and organized labour.
Labour unions are insisting on industrial action despite Federal Government’s plea and jerking up of the Minimum wage from 33,000 to 60,000.
The president of NANS, Pedro Obi in a statement on Sunday called on the government to respond promptly and favourably to the legitimate demands of Nigerian workers.
Obi highlighted the impact of economic challenges on the purchasing power of workers, stating, “The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, the rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs.”
he further emphasized the necessity of a living wage, saying for workers in the country.
“It is within this context that the organized labour demands for a living wage become not only reasonable but also imperative”
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NLC strike: Real reason FG can’t pay N494,000 minimum wage – Minister
…don’t go on strike, return to negotiation table – FG tells Labour
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the federal government cannot pay N494,000 as minimum wage demanded by organised labour for workers in the country.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Idris to have said the N494,000 minimum wage demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) will amount to N9.5 trillion annually.
This is contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
The Minister stressed that the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organised labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5 trillion bill, is capable of destabilising the economy and jeopardising the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.
According to the statement, Idris stated this at a news conference in Abuja in response to the threat by the organised labour to embark on strike if their demands were not met.
He said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, has been accepted by the organized private sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team.
“The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage 2019. Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which would increase by 1,547% on the existing wage.
“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5 trillion bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the Organised Labour,” he said.
The Minister said even though Labour is keen on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government is concerned with the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians based on its Guiding Principle of Affordability, Sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.
Idris appealed to the Organised Labour to return to the negotiating table and embrace reasonable and realistic wages for their members.
He said because of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the welfare of workers, the wage award of 35,000 for Federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage is introduced.
Rabiu Ibrahim. -
Accept N60,000 minimum wage – FG appeals to Labour
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has appealed to the organised labour to be considerate and patriotic in their demands in the ongoing negotiation for a new national minimum wage.
Onyejeocha made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.
During the Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage negotiation meeting on Tuesday, the Federal Government had offered Labour N60,000 as the new minimum wage for workers.
The Organised Labour had also presented N494, 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country.
The Minister said that the federal government had been consistent in taking steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigeria workers.
She, therefore, urged labour to recognise that the nation’s economy was still on the path of recovery from the effect of the pandemic and other economic distress.
“We appeal to organised labour and indeed, other relevant stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognizing that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other global economic shocks.
“We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.
“The government remain dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and its want to urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding.
“This is particularly during this critical period when the President, Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to revitalize the economy,”she said.
The minister therefore said the government recognised that the economic challenges faced by Nigerians were complex and multifaceted, and called for collective effort of all stakeholders to overcome them.
She added that the meeting with organised labour was a significant step in our ongoing efforts to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigerian workers.
“As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality.
“After hours of intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other key stakeholders and have pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussion.
“We welcome this development and are optimistic that our continued engagement will yield a positive outcome.
“In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000,” she said.
She noted that the increase was a demonstration of government willingness to listen to the concerns of labour and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
According to her, we understand that the current economic landscape is challenging, and we are doing everything in our power to mitigate its effects on our citizens.
“This is the path that this government has chosen to pursue, and we will not deviate or stray from the course.
“President Tinubu has been tireless in his efforts to revitalise the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.
“His commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty is genuine, and we appeal to all to support him in this endeavour.
“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and beneficial to all,” she added.
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Obaseki begins payment of N70,000 minimum wage in Edo
The Edo Government said it has begun payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage to workers in the state in fulfillment of the promise to increase the minimum wage from May, 2024.
It would be recalled that Gov. Godwin Obaseki had during the inauguration of the Labour House in Benin, announced the increment in workers’ salaries in the state from N40,000 to N70,000.
Obaseki said the increment was to reflect the current economic realities of the country and cushion the impacts of the harsh economy on the people of the state.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to workers would further demonstrate the commitment of the Obaseki-led administration to the welfare of Edo workers.
“The Edo government has paid the May salaries of workers in the state, reflecting the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
“This is in fulfillment of the promise made by Obaseki.
“It is also in furtherance of the commitment of the state government to meet its statutory obligations even before the end of the month,” he said.
The commissioner urged the workers to be committed to their duties to reciprocate the gesture by the state government.
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BREAKING: Labour lowers minimum wage demand
In efforts to facilitate progress and ensure prompt resolution of the negotiations for the new national minimum wage, organised labour has adjusted its initial minimum wage request from N615,000 to N500,000.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports organised labour lowered the minimum wage demand during the current discussions at the Tripartite Committee meeting on the national minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC had walked out on the negotiation meeting as the Federal Government proposed N48,000 as new minimum wage for workers in the country.
Labour accused the government of failure to provide any substantiated data to support their N48,000 offer, stressing that lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process.
In a joint communique, the organised labour reiterated its May 31 ultimatum for the federal government to finalise the new national minimum wage fixing process for workers.
However, during the current discussions at the Tripartite Committee meeting on the national minimum wage, labour has adjusted its initial minimum wage request from N615,000 to N500,000.
Details shortly…
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Minimum Wage: We stand on May 31 ultimatum – Labour
The Organised Labour has reiterated its May 31 ultimatum for the Federal Government to finalise the new national minimum wage fixing process for workers.
The position was contained in a communique issued at the end of a joint emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
In the communique jointly signed by Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President and Mr Festus Osifo, President of TUC, the organised labour said it’s NEC had thoroughly deliberated on the issue and considered the current realities as they affects Nigerian workers and masses.
Labour noted that NEC appreciated the efforts made thus far, but, emphasised the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement.
“We need an agreement that will genuinely reflect the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of government’s policies.
“The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.
“The NEC-in-session therefore reiterates the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month,” the communiqué read.
Also in the communiqué the organised labour directed all state councils whose state governments were yet to fully implement the N30,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments to immediately issue a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state governments to avert industrial action.
It also reaffirmed its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the “vexatious apartheid categorisation into bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens”.
Labour also gave the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government May 31 ultimatum to meet the demands
“In the event that the government fails to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC authorizes the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions.
“This including, but not limited to the mobilisation of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers’ rights,” the communiqué read in part
The organised labour emphasised the non-negotiable nature of the demands and urged the government to prioritise the resolution of the issues in the best interest of industrial peace.
It called on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during the critical period.
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Minimum wage: Labour agrees to attend Tuesday talks
Organised Labour has agreed to attend the ”negotiation” meeting of Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage slated for Tuesday.
Mr Etim Okon, Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gave the confirmation in an interview on Monday in Abuja.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC had walked out on the negotiation meeting as the Federal Government proposed N48,000 as new minimum wage for workers in the country.
“The proposal falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations,” the unions said.
Labour also accused the government of failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation and lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process.
”The federal government has apologised and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and we are going to appear and present our demand.
“We will still be presenting the N615,000. It is what we presented before we walked out, though our submission was not rejected by the government.
“We only rejected the N48,000 that government presented. Because they did not show us how they arrived at that amount.
“That is taking cognizance of transportation, housing, food, utilities, health, education among others which are basic needs of the people.
“So government should come out clearly with what they are offering with the indices and variables and also how they arrived at that. This is all what we are saying,”he said.
Also, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) told NAN that he hoped that the Tuesday meeting on the Tripartite Committee would be a successful.
Oyerinde said that the federal government had prevailed over what happened at the last meeting as labour had walked out of the negotiation process.
‘I am happy the government had prevailed on the issue and they would be coming back to the table for the actual negotiations.
“Everybody figure is valid, Labour N615,000 proposal is valid to the extent of labour reality, government N48,000 is valid to their reality. The private sector’s N54,000 is also valid to the present day reality.
“Like I said, we have moved back to the negotiation table properly, and we would look at alignment of positions. There will a lot of give and take,.
“Also there will be a consensus on what the National Minimum Wage will be and the committee will then make a recommendation to Mr President,” he said.
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Minimum wage: Reactions as labour pulls out of negotiations with FG
Organised Labour says it has pulled out from the ongoing Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage negotiations meeting for workers.
The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at a joint news conference stated this on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Organised labour had said that the government ‘s proposal of N48,000 as new minimum wage for workers was not just a “mockery but an insult to Nigerian’s dignity’.
Labour walked out in the middle of the negotiations due to the turn of events as they had proposed N615,000 as the new national minimum wage.
Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) had announced that the least worker in the private sector should be paid N78,000.
NECA later turned around to propose N54,000 as the new national minimum wage.
Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President and Mr Tommy Etim-Okon, TUC Deputy President, at a joint statement entitled “Minimum Wage: Government Presents Wage Reduction”, had expressed disappointment at the turn of events.
Ajaero said labour was disappointed at the unfortunate and the apparent unseriousness of the Government to engage in reasonable negotiation with Nigerian workers.
“Despite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less than reasonable action of the Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has led to a breakdown in negotiations, he said.
“The Government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 (forty-eight thousand Naira) as the Minimum Wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.,”they said.
The statement also noted that in contrast the Organised Private Sector (OPS) proposed an initial offer of N54,000 though, it was worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receives N78,000 per month as clearly stated by the OPS.
It noted that this highlight the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of employers and government to faithfully negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for Workers in Nigeria.
It also said that the Federal Government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation.
According to the two labour centres, this lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and erodes trust between the parties involved.
“As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot in good conscience accept a wage proposal that would result in a reduction in income for federal-level workers.
“The workers, who are already receiving N30,000 as mandated by law, augmented by Buhari’s 40 per cent Peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 wage award, totaling N77,000 only.
“Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families and is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage Fixing process.
“In light of these developments, and in order to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken the decision to walk out of the negotiation process.
“We remain committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to engage in reasonable dialogue with the government if they show serious commitment to find a fair and sustainable resolution to this impasse,”it stated.
It therefore called on the government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with clear hands that reflects the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s development.
Wage negotiation: Labour pull out unfortunate, should return – NECA
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged organised labour to return to the negotiation table on the planned minimum wage review.
NECA’s appeal came following the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Wednesday, in Abuja, to pull out of the National Minimum Wage Committee.
The development came after representatives of government and the organised private sector made an offer of N48,000 and N54,000 wage respectively.
The two labour centres had earlier proposed a sum of N615,000 minimum wage for federal workers, giving evidence and data to substantiate their proposal.
Reacting, the Director-General, NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in a statement issued on Wednesday, in Lagos, described labour’s pull out as unfortunate
Oyerinde urged labour to reconsider its position and return to the negotiation table in the interest of its members and national development.
“As it is seen globally, a major feature of all negotiations is for all parties to present their opening positions, which was done by all social partners.
‘’The expected follow-up action is the actual negotiation with attendant counter-negotiations, alignment and realignment of positions among others.
“The action of labour to walk out, even when negotiation has not started, even when it is within its right to do so, has the potential to delay the assignment of the minimum wage committee, ” he said.
Oyerinde said that the organised private sector remained absolutely committed to the review of the current national minimum wage, to a new one that was fair and sustainable.
He said that it was for one which took due cognisance of the country’s current economic situation.
