Nationwide Strike Looms Over Minimum Wage Dispute: Set date Strike may Begin
Organized Labour is signaling the possibility of a nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, in response to ongoing disputes over a new minimum wage, according to Vanguard.
Today, the tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage (NNMW) reconvenes after last Tuesday’s abrupt adjournment due to a walkout by labour representatives, who accused government negotiators of not taking the process seriously.
Tensions are rising as state governors are reportedly working against the Federal Government to delay the negotiations. Last Tuesday, labour negotiators walked out for the second time in two weeks after the Federal Government marginally increased its offer to N60,000 from N57,000, following a previous offer of N48,000 on May 15. In contrast, labour is demanding N615,000.
Ekpo Nta, a member/Secretary of the committee, has scheduled the next meeting for Friday, May 31, with provisions for remote participation via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Sources within the labour movement indicated to Vanguard that a strike might commence depending on today’s meeting outcome. A labour leader, speaking anonymously, stated that if the government continues its dismissive attitude towards workers’ welfare, a strike is inevitable, noting their patience amid economic hardship caused by government policies.
The one-month ultimatum given to the government to finalize the new minimum wage negotiations ends today. Labour leaders emphasize that the issue is statutory, pointing out that the old Minimum Wage Act expired on April 18, and adequate time has passed for a new wage to be established.
Reports indicate that state governors are reluctant to commit to a reasonable new wage, pressuring the Federal Government to resist labour’s demands due to alleged financial constraints. A Presidency source acknowledged the challenge, insisting that a new national minimum wage is mandatory by law.
Labour leaders accuse the Federal Government of exacerbating the situation by including governors who did not fully implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act in the tripartite committee. Many of these governors have also failed to provide temporary wage reliefs following the removal of petrol subsidies.
The labour movement is preparing for a series of industrial actions, including a total economic shutdown, if today’s meeting does not yield satisfactory results. They argue that state governments, receiving increased funds from the federation account due to subsidy removals and higher taxes, have no justification for not meeting wage demands.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is appealing for labour’s understanding. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, urged labour to consider the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing a fair and realistic wage while revitalizing the economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
