THE Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) has rejected the attempt by Nigerian governors to take over the lingering minimum wage negotiations.
The workers union rejected the suggestion by governors that they should be permitted to determine the wages of their workers, saying it is not only oppressive but against the idea of the minimum wage.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 29, following their meeting in the capital of Ogun State, Abeokuta, the Southern Governors Forum argued that each state should be free to bargain over how much it could pay
The Forum maintained that each state should be able to negotiate its minimum wage and that it should be commensurate with the cost of living.
However, the 36 states of the federation under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum pledged to continue supporting the process and guaranteed that the ongoing talks would lead to higher compensation.
In response to the Southern Governors’ Forum’s stance, the NLC in a statement signed by Benson Upah, NLC’s Head, of Information and Public Affairs, issued a warning to state governors on Friday, June 28, cautioning them against making any more provocative remarks regarding the minimum wage to prevent igniting labour unrest.
The NLC pleaded with President Bola Tinubu not to give in to pressure or be forced into a corner by disloyal governors, as he had pledged a living wage higher than a minimum salary.
“This notion is not only dictatorial but also undermines the very essence and the model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
“The concept of a national minimum wage is not arbitrary. It represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker in the law should be paid,” the NLC stated.
The Union said the governors’ demand to determine the minimum wage unilaterally negates this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy.
According to the statement, the national minimum wage is not synonymous with the individual pay structures of the states which they implement religiously.
“We urge President Tinubu who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors. We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors.
“The NLC urges the Governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one. Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness,” the statement added.
NLC said it stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values.
The ICIR reported that the Tripartite Committee set up by the Federal Government (FG) to negotiate a new minimum wage urged the labour unions to consider economic realities during their negotiations and discussions.
The tripartite committee was established by the federal government to review the minimum wage and urged labour unions to reassess their demands.
A reporter with the ICIR
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