Organised-Labour Announces Indefinite Nationwide-Strike Over Minimum Wage And Electricity Tariff Hike

Organised-Labour Announces Indefinite Nationwide-Strike Over Minimum Wage And Electricity Tariff Hike

The Organised Labour has declared an indefinite nationwide strike in response to the federal government’s failure to finalize negotiations on a new national minimum wage and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs. This decision was announced at a joint press conference on Friday by Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The strike is set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Ireporteronline reported that the Organised Labour representatives walked out on the federal government team during the Tripartite Committee meeting on the new national minimum wage. The walkout occurred after the government and the organized private sector stood firm on their ₦60,000 offer, which was presented on Tuesday.

During the press conference, NLC and TUC leaders appealed to Nigerians for understanding, emphasizing their commitment to pursue the cause to its conclusion. “Apologies for inconveniences but commitment to pursue the cause to its conclusion,” they stated.

Osifo elaborated, “As you are aware, we had the last meeting preceding today, which was on Tuesday. In that meeting, they (the government) offered ₦60,000. They invited us for a meeting today (Friday), and we deliberated on it, thinking they were showing the necessary commitment.

“To our surprise, there was no serious representation from either the Federal Government or the state governors who are supposed to be part of the negotiations. So, technically, we felt they have abandoned us because they remained adamant about the ₦60,000 offer. Not even a kobo was added to what we rightfully rejected.”

The decision to strike underscores the frustration of the labour unions with the government’s stance on the minimum wage and electricity tariff issues, signaling a potentially significant disruption in the nation’s operations if a resolution is not reached promptly.