Frustrated by federal government’s refusal to set up a tripartite committee to negotiate a new minimum wage of N56,000, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down the economy.
It has, however, given the Buhari-led administration up to May 2017 to show good faith and live up to the promise it made early in the year for an upward review of workers’ salaries.
NLC’s position was made known via a statement issued by its President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba during a meeting in Abuja.
Said he, “The issue of minimum wage remains sacrosanct because of the fact that by law and practice, the review is due and overdue. I have said clearly that we cannot guarantee any industrial peace any longer if necessary steps are not taken by government to try to resolve this issue before the next May Day.”
“This is very clear because as we said, we have sent formal notice of demand as required by law to government to try to constitute the Committee.”
“Essentially, the committee to dialogue and negotiate the minimum wage which is supposed to be tripartite has not been set up. If it is set up, all of you will be aware of the membership and also their terms of reference and the timeline given to them to actually dispose with this very vital issue.”
The NLC is currently weighed down by a split in its ranks as a breakaway faction led by Joe Ajaero emerged on Monday calling itself United Labour Congress. On Tuesday, the new faction led its members to ground the operations of Arik Airlines over salaries owed the staff.
Said he, “The issue of minimum wage remains sacrosanct because of the fact that by law and practice, the review is due and overdue. I have said clearly that we cannot guarantee any industrial peace any longer if necessary steps are not taken by government to try to resolve this issue before the next May Day.”
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