TUC

By Anwar Usman 

The president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, said their position on N250,000 as the new national minimum wage still stands. 

While the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on N62,000, labour is insisting on N250,000. 

President Bola Tinubu had said he needed time to take counsel from other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. 

While speaking with State House correspondents after he and other labour leaders met with President Tinubu on Thursday, Ajaero said labour leaders went for discussion, not negotiation. 

“In reality, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion; and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene in the next one week. So, that’s where we are. Because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least, there were some basic issues that we agreed on.” 

When asked if Labour is still insisting on N250,000, he said, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into Naira and kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.” 

Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, said they discussed, and after explaining their position, the President also made his remarks. 

He said, “In the meeting, we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bothering and biting Nigerians today, the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, how these have affected the prices commodities and goods in the market.” 

“We tried to put these before the President because he is the president of the country and the bulk stops at his table. We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today, we said let us meet with the father of the nation the and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make, we made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. 

“So, we put everything forward and in the end, the president made his remark as the president and we all agreed let’s go back, we internalize it, we have some conversation and by one we time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting.” 

On her side, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said, “It is a fruitful meeting, father, children meeting. I think we are hopeful that very soon everything will be resolved. Of course, when father and children talk you know what it is.That’s just exactly what has happened. It took us almost about an hour. I believe that it’s all for good.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government.

The ultimatum comes as a response to the alleged failure of the government to fulfil a 16-point agreement reached with the unions on October 2, 2023. 

Expressing their dismay over the situation, leaders of the NLC and TUC affirmed their concern regarding the government’s apparent disregard for the welfare of citizens and workers.

Despite concerted efforts by organised labour to foster cooperation and address issues in the workplace, the unions claim that the government has remained indifferent to the widespread suffering and hardship experienced by Nigerians. 

In a joint statement, the NLC and TUC lamented the necessity of resorting to drastic measures, stating, “It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.” 

The ultimatum issued by the unions gives the Federal Government a 14-day window, starting on February 9, 2024, to honour its commitments outlined in the agreement.

Failure to do so, as stated by the NLC and TUC, will result in the commencement of a nationwide strike. 

The looming threat of a nationwide strike raises concerns about its potential impact on various sectors of the economy and the well-being of the general populace.

It underscores the urgency for dialogue and resolution between the government and organised labour to avert the disruption and hardships that a strike could entail.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) jointly declared a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 3.

This announcement comes as negotiations continue between the unions and the government, with both parties striving to find common ground. 

In a press conference held in the capital city of Abuja on Tuesday evening, the NLC and TUC called on their state branches to mobilise workers and the public for a series of demonstrations and marches across the nation.

The unions have expressed their concerns regarding the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly workers, following the removal of fuel subsidies. 

It’s worth noting that the NLC had previously initiated a two-day warning strike on September 5th and 6th, seeking to exert pressure on the government to address these pressing issues.

This move sparked ongoing discussions and negotiations aimed at resolving the issues. 

Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Secretary of the NLC, confirmed that the unions are currently conducting their meetings online, demonstrating their commitment to dialogue even as they announce the strike action. 

In response to the strike notice, Mr. Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour, appealed to the NLC to reconsider their plans.

He reassured the unions that the government is dedicated to addressing their concerns.

Mr. Lalong also highlighted one recent achievement in their negotiations, where the government ordered the release of the head of the Transport Workers Union in the country.