Several unions have closed their workplaces in compliance with the directive from two major labor unions to start an indefinite nationwide strike.
On Friday, organized labor announced the strike due to the Federal Government's refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, stated that the strike will commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement with Trade Union Congress leader Festus Osifo, Ajaero expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the Federal Government's failure to enact a new National Minimum Wage Act. They also demanded a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh.
The unions had given a May 31, 2024 ultimatum for negotiations on the new minimum wage. However, talks broke down on Tuesday after both sides presented their offers. The government raised its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which labor rejected. Labor also reduced its demand from N497,000 to N494,000.
Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), instructed university lecturers to join the strike, affirming ASUU's status as an affiliate of the congress.
On Sunday, aviation unions directed members to withdraw services at all Nigerian airports starting June 3, 2024. These unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.
After an emergency meeting on Sunday, the unions listed below joined the strike:
1. Academic Staff Union of Universities
2. Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria
3. National Union of Electricity Employees
4. National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees
5. Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria
6. Joint Union Action Committee
7. Nigeria Union of Teachers
8. National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives
9. Joint Health Sector Unions
10. Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees
11. National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers
12. Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria
13. National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers
14. Nigeria Union of Railway Workers
15. Nigeria Civil Service Union
16. Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals
17. Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture
18. Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities
19. Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies
20. Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
21. Nigerian Union of Journalists
22. Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic
23. National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees
24. Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees
25. Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
26. National Union of Air Transport Employees
27. Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
28. National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers
29. National Union of Postal and Telecommunication Employees
30. Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria
31. Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions
32. Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria
