The Federal Government has called for an emergency meeting with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday in an effort to halt the ongoing nationwide strike by organized labour. The meeting was initiated through the National Salaries Wages and Income Commission.
The attendance of the Labour leaders at the meeting remains uncertain.
Elliptical News reports that several unions have shut down their workplaces following the directive from the NLC and TUC to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. This decision came after the Federal Government refused to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
NLC President Joe Ajaero announced that the strike would commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024. In a joint statement with TUC President Festus Osifo, both leaders expressed their deep concerns and disappointment over the government’s failure to finalize and enact a new National Minimum Wage Act. Additionally, they demanded a reversal of the electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh.
The two unions had given a deadline of May 31, 2024, for the conclusion of negotiations on the new minimum wage. However, discussions between the government and organized labour broke down on Tuesday after both sides presented their offers.
The government had increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, but this was rejected by labour. In response, labour adjusted their demand from N497,000 to N494,000.
The ongoing strike has significantly impacted various sectors as unions continue to shut down workplaces across the country. The outcome of the emergency meeting remains critical to resolving the dispute and ending the strike.
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