In an effort to halt the ongoing strike by organized labor, the Federal Government, through the National Salaries Wages and Income Commission, has extended an invitation to the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for an emergency meeting.
However, it remains uncertain if the labor leaders will attend the meeting.
The PUNCH reports that several unions have closed their workplaces in compliance with the directive from the NLC and TUC to commence an indefinite nationwide strike.
On Friday, organized labor announced the commencement of the strike due to the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
According to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, the strike is set to begin at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement by Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, they expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the Federal Government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act.
The unions had set a deadline of May 31, 2024, for negotiations on the new minimum wage.
However, talks between organized labor and the Federal Government broke down on Tuesday after both parties presented their offers. The government increased its initial offer of N57,000 by adding N3,000 to reach N60,000, which was rejected by labor. During the negotiations, labor also adjusted their demand from last week’s proposal of N497,000 by reducing it by N3,000, bringing their new proposal to N494,000.